Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) Recovery from Spent Catalysts: Pretreatment and Leaching Technologies | Zhengzhou Jinquan
During catalyst service, active components and carriers undergo a series of physical and chemical reactions. These reactions change their composition and phase. This poses a key challenge for platinum group metal (PGM) recycling.
It directly impacts PGM extraction efficiency and resource utilization—critical for the automotive and petrochemical industries.
PGM Extraction Challenges in Spent Catalysts
Automotive exhaust catalysts face specific issues at high temperatures. Platinum group metals oxidize and sulfidize, forming inert components. Activated alumina around PGM particles converts to alumina.
After cooling, alumina encapsulates part of the platinum group metals. This makes efficient extraction difficult.
Petrochemical catalysts encounter similar problems. Some PGMs oxidize during use. Carriers adsorb large amounts of organic matter and carbon deposits.
These issues deactivate and scrap the catalysts. They also hinder efficient PGM extraction, causing resource waste and higher production costs.
Pretreatment Methods for Enhanced PGM Leaching
To address these challenges and boost PGM leaching rates from spent catalysts, industries widely research and apply pretreatment methods. Common technologies include fine grinding, roasting, acid leaching, and reduction.
These methods remove organic matter, break PGM encapsulation, and optimize the subsequent leaching process. They are essential for improving PGM recovery, reducing environmental impact, and maximizing spent catalyst value.
Core Leaching Technologies for PGM Enrichment
After effective pretreatment, spent catalysts enter the hydrometallurgical dissolution process. Leaching is the core step of hydrometallurgical enrichment.
Zhengzhou Jinquan Mining Equipment Co., Ltd. specializes in precious metal refining equipment and technology. We focus on advanced leaching technologies for PGM recovery.
Industry commonly uses several leaching methods. These include cyanide leaching, hydrochloric acid + oxidant dissolution, supercritical fluid extraction, and microwave-assisted leaching.
Each method has unique advantages. Selection depends on the spent catalyst type, PGM content, and industrial production needs.
Zhengzhou Jinquan’s PGM Recovery Solutions
Zhengzhou Jinquan provides high-efficiency, environmentally friendly solutions for spent catalyst recycling and PGM extraction. We integrate professional pretreatment and leaching technologies.
Our solutions help enterprises achieve resource recycling, reduce costs, and promote green, low-carbon development. Our advanced equipment and mature technologies support efficient recovery of platinum, palladium, rhodium, and other precious metals from various spent catalysts.
We serve the automotive, petrochemical, and other related industries worldwide.
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