Platinum group metals (PGMs) – specifically
Iridium (Ir), Ruthenium (Ru), and Rhodium
(Rh) – are critical to high-value industries
such as catalysis, electronics, highperformance
coatings, and electrochemical
applications. Their rarity, value and
exceptional stability make them
indispensable, but these properties make
them extremely challenging to dissolve for
chemical analysis.
Both metallic and oxide forms of Ir, Ru, and Rh display extraordinary chemical inertness, with oxides being particularly refractory.
Dissolving these materials requires aggressive acid mixtures, such as concentrated hydrochloric and perchloric acids, which are highly corrosive to standard digestion equipment. Operating safely and effectively under such conditions demands an advanced and exceptionally robust system, capable of maintaining longterm performance while withstanding chemical attack.
This application report details the optimized digestion method for PGMs, including oxide reduction strategies, demonstrates >99% dissolution efficiency, and explores alternative acid mixtures for laboratories with restricted access to perchloric acid.
Both metallic and oxide forms of Ir, Ru, and Rh display extraordinary chemical inertness, with oxides being particularly refractory.
Dissolving these materials requires aggressive acid mixtures, such as concentrated hydrochloric and perchloric acids, which are highly corrosive to standard digestion equipment. Operating safely and effectively under such conditions demands an advanced and exceptionally robust system, capable of maintaining longterm performance while withstanding chemical attack.
This application report details the optimized digestion method for PGMs, including oxide reduction strategies, demonstrates >99% dissolution efficiency, and explores alternative acid mixtures for laboratories with restricted access to perchloric acid.
How SRC microwave digestion address challenges in PGMs digestion?
Single Reaction Chamber technology
addresses these challenges by processing
all samples within a single, pressurized
chamber rather than in individually sealed
vessels. This technology enables precise
and uniform control of temperature and
pressure, across all samples. The system
is designed using chemically resistant
materials that tolerate prolonged
exposure to aggressive acid mixtures,
ensuring consistent performance even
under extreme operating conditions.
By combining high temperature and pressure with active stirring, SRC technology enables rapid and complete dissolution of refractory PGMs while supporting higher sample masses than typically achievable with conventional systems.
By combining high temperature and pressure with active stirring, SRC technology enables rapid and complete dissolution of refractory PGMs while supporting higher sample masses than typically achievable with conventional systems.
Read the complete application report
The findings presented in this experiment
demonstrate that SRC microwave digestion
technology provides a reliable and scalable
solution for the preparation of refractory
PGM samples. Key benefits includes:
- Processing of high sample masses of PGMs in a single run and significantly improving detection limits.
- Compatibility with all type of acids, allowing laboratories to select the most appropriate reagents according to their analytical needs and operational constraints.
- Safe operation at very high temperatures and pressures, ensuring efficient dissolution while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Milestone™ SpA
Via Fatebenefratelli 1/5 - 24010 Sorisole (BG) - Italy
Phone: +39 035.573857 | Fax: +39 035.575498
Via Fatebenefratelli 1/5 - 24010 Sorisole (BG) - Italy
Phone: +39 035.573857 | Fax: +39 035.575498
Milestone™ SpA
Via Fatebenefratelli 1/5 - 24010 Sorisole (BG) - Italy
Phone: +39 035.573857 | Fax: +39 035.575498
Via Fatebenefratelli 1/5 - 24010 Sorisole (BG) - Italy
Phone: +39 035.573857 | Fax: +39 035.575498