What can be extracted from a three-way catalytic converter?
1 Answers
A three-way catalytic converter can extract platinum (Pt), rhodium (Rh), and palladium (Pd), which are platinum group precious metals. The function of a three-way catalytic converter is to react with the exhaust gases emitted by a car, catalyzing or altering the nature of harmful emissions, thereby reducing their pollution. Methods for extracting precious metals from a three-way catalytic converter: Grind the catalyst inside the three-way catalytic converter into powder, as the precious metals are coated as a layer of catalyst inside; burn the powdered catalyst at high temperatures; add a sodium borohydride aqueous solution and boil to 100 degrees Celsius, then add a sodium chlorite hydrochloric acid solution; maintain the temperature around 100 degrees Celsius; after 3 hours, filter; add a 10% HCl aqueous solution for acid washing and water washing, keeping the temperature around 100 degrees Celsius. After separation, platinum group metals can be obtained. Precautions for using a three-way catalytic converter: Do not use leaded gasoline; avoid prolonged idling (open-loop control state); avoid sudden changes in engine speed; do not set the ignition timing too late; do not pull out the high-voltage wire for extended periods to test for sparks; when measuring cylinder pressure, disconnect the central control connector of the fuel pump to stop the injector from spraying fuel into the cylinder; if any cylinder is found to be malfunctioning, stop the vehicle promptly to inspect and rectify the issue, etc.
