Extraction of Platinum Group Metals from Spent Catalysts Using Iron Chloride Vapor Pretreatment

This chapter explores a groundbreaking approach to extracting platinum group metals (PGMs) from spent automobile catalysts, addressing the critical need for resource security and environmental sustainability. The study investigates a novel process that incorporates ferrous chloride (FeCl2) vapor treatment to facilitate the alloying of PGMs with iron at relatively low temperatures. This method enhances the dissolution of PGMs in oxidative acids and enables efficient magnetic separation, significantly improving the recovery process. The research delves into the thermodynamic analysis and experimental results, demonstrating the effectiveness of the vapor treatment in alloying PGMs with iron, as evidenced by the magnetic attraction of treated PGM wires. Additionally, the study examines the impact of different vapor treatment temperatures on the alloying depth, highlighting the potential for optimizing the process. The chapter also presents a magnetic separation test using a simulated catalyst, showcasing the successful concentration of PGMs in the magnetic fraction. This innovative approach offers a promising alternative to traditional high-temperature smelting methods, paving the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly PGM recovery.