Researchers in Japan have created a worlds first, they have created an alloy similar to the rare metal palladium. This breakthrough may help to alleviate Japan’s dependence on other nations for that resource.
The team involved used nanotechnology to produce the alloy, the properties of which are similar to palladium, the rare metal that sits between rhodium and silver on the periodic table.
Professor Hiroshi Kitagawa of Kyoto University’s research team, has also created new versions of other rare metals.
Led by Prof. Hiroshi Kitagawa of Kyoto University, the research team also produced alternatives to other kinds of rare metals.
The molecules of rhodium and silver do not usually mix, the remain separate from eachother like oil and water even after melting at high temperatures. In order to mix these elements together, Kitagawa utilized a technique that produced ultra-microscopic particles of metal.
Kitagawa’s team created a solution made of equal parts silver and rhodium, they then turned the solution into a mist and slowly mixed it with heated alcohol that then created particles of the new alloy. All of the particles are 10 nanometres in diameter, the atoms of the metals are mixed equally.
As previously stated this new alloy has very similar properties as palladium. Palladium is used as a catalyzer for cleansing exhaust gases and has a high level of hydrogen absorption, the researchers have stated.
Rhodium, palladium and silver have 45, 46 and 47 electrons respectively. This number determines their chemical characterizations.
“The orbits of the electrons in the rhodium and silver atoms probably got jumbled up and formed the same orbits as those of palladium,” Kitagawa said.
The production of the new alloy will be difficult to achieve commercially, however Kitagawa intends to use the production method they have developed to create other alloys that can be used as alternatives for rare metals.
Kitagawa stated that he and his team have begun joint researcher with auto-makers and other companies, however he couldn’t disclose any information because of patents and other legal matters.
Rare metals are found in only very small quantities and are highly expensive to mine. They are often refaired to as “vitamins” by industry because a very small amount can change and or improve the properties of other materials.
Sources: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/science/T101230003933.htm
Picture Sources: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/photo/DY20101231104751815L0.jpg