Background

Used catalytic converters are collected and recycled in order to reclaim the precious metals Pt, Rh and Pd. Typically, the entire honeycomb core is removed and ground into a powder. Once in powder form, the precious metal catalysts can be extracted, or the powder can be sold to a refiner.

The honeycomb core, also called the monolith, is typically ceramic, containing combinations of the elements Al, Si, Fe, Zn, Sr, Zr, Ba, La and Ce. Some cores can be made of a stainless steel honeycomb and so would contain higher Fe and other metals. Catalyst material may also be high in Pb content, in regions where leaded gasoline is still used. Because all of these elements can occur at various levels, Rigaku’s software offers quick direct analysis and easy use for crafting individual methods, as desired.

NEX QC+ gives the user flexible FP templates for crafting specific methods and Matching Libraries for optimum accuracy of specific materials. The versatile software of the NEX QC+ also allows for semi-quant screening of totally unknown samples without any reference material in a library.

The measurement of Pt, Rh and Pd in recycled automotive catalytic converters is demonstrated using Fundamental Parameters (FP) approach and pre-installed starter Matching Library as the Rigaku Auto Cats-Pak.