Palladium Properties

Palladium is part of the the Platinum Group Metals (PGM) whic is located in the 5th and 6th rows of the transition metal section of the periodic table and includes Ruthenium, Rhodium, Palladium, Osmium, Iridium, and Platinum. Common characteristics include resistance to wear, oxidation, and corrosion, high melting points, and oxidation states of +2 to +4. They are generally non-toxic. 

• Serves as the substitute catalysis for platinum in catalytic converters.
• The primary catalyst for liquid-phase hydrogenation.
• In the late 1960's, 60% of all palladium production is used in the telephone industry in the form of cross-over contacts in telephone lines. Since the shift to a fully-electronic system, palladium use has declined.
• With the possible dawn of an alternate technology in motorized vehicles, palladium has garnered a lot of attention as a possible player in fuel cell technology.
• As the price and scarcity of platinum increases, palladium has become more marketable as the primary catalyst in combustion engines.

Palladium is used as an alloying agent with gold in jewelry ("white gold") and in some dental applications in place of silver or gold. Unlike the other so-called platinum metals, palladium is more susceptible to attack by acids, even hydrochloric acid.