P for Palladium

This is the 16th in the series of 26 posts this month, one post a day, barring four Sundays, each on a theme corresponding to a letter of the English alphabet. My theme this year is "Chemicals in our life", spurred by my interest in chemistry.

We know that the exhausts of our gasoline or petrol cars emit poisonous gases. A price we pay for convenience and comfort. 

If not for the element called palladium, the emissions would be far more toxic than what they are now.

The device that is attached to the exhaust system of a car to convert harmful gases into less harmful ones is called a catalytic converter.

It converts, for example, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides into carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen.

One of the key components of a catalytic converter is palladium, a silvery-white metal which is ductile and malleable. 

One of the major reasons it's used in these converters is that it is a good catalyst, meaning it can speed up chemical reactions without being consumed or affected in the process. 

It is often used in combination with rhodium to achieve optimal performance and durability.

In jewellery

Palladium is also used for making jewellery, as it has a lustrous and durable appearance. 

Palladium can be alloyed with other metals, such as gold, silver, or platinum, to create different colours and properties. 

Palladium jewellery is hypoallergenic, meaning it does not cause allergic reactions to the skin. For example, palladium is used for making rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

In electronic devices

Palladium is also used in electrodes and capacitors. 

An electrode is a material that allows electric current to flow through a circuit or a cell. A capacitor is a device that stores electric charge and energy. 

Palladium can improve the performance and reliability of these devices, as it has high electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion. 

For example, palladium is used in multi-layer ceramic capacitors, which are widely used in electronic devices such as computers, phones, and cameras.

Palladium has the symbol Pd, and the atomic number is 46. 

It was discovered by William Hyde Wollaston in 1803.

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Images of car exhaust and jewellery from Pixabay.

The information provided in this post has been obtained from multiple, authentic resources. However, it is presented in an abridged format and might not have all the details. Therefore, before acting on any information, readers are requested to exercise caution and do further research.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023. I am also on A2Z April Challenge.