Platinum oxide

Types

There are two main types of platinum oxide, each with different proportions of platinum and oxygen in their chemical structure. Platinum(II) oxide, or PtO₂, corresponds to divalent platinum and is a red, magnetic powder that decomposes at near 300° C. Meanwhile, platinum(IV) oxide or PtO₄, is a black and non-magnetic powder that is stable at higher temperatures and is often utilized in catalysis. Besides these two, some less common oxides such as platinum(I) oxide, or PtO, and platinum(III) oxide, or PtO₃, also exist. However, the former is often seen as a platinum metal contaminant rather than an actual compound and the latter is unstable and difficult to obtain in pure form, limiting its use even in theoretically interesting applications. 

Specifications

Here are some important specifications regarding platinum oxide:

• Appearance: PtO₂, or platinum(II) oxide, is a red powder, sometimes with a hint of purple, that can be magnetic at room temperature, while PtO₄, or platinum(IV) oxide, is a black and non-magnetic powder.
• Decomposition: PtO₂ decomposes at approximately 300 °C releasing oxygen and platinum metal, whereas the titanium oxide IV oxide is stable up to 800 °C.
• Sensitivity: PtO₂ is sensitive to humidity and can be reduced by hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and alcohol, but PtO₄ is more resistant to reduction and can only be done by high temperatures or more reactive state metals.
• Catalytic activity: Both oxides can be catalytically active, but platinum(IV) oxide) is often preferred in high-temperature conditions due to its stability.

How to choose

When purchasing goods in wholesale quantities, several factors must be taken into consideration to ensure the best possible quality for the buyers. Here are some of the factors to consider:

Quality and purity

Since platinum oxide is often used in chemical reactions, the catalytic process and the production of other chemicals, it is crucial to find a product with high purity to avoid contaminating the end products. For instance, platinum(IV) oxide) contains metallic platinum as an impurity which, instead of stopping chemical reactions, goes on to react with other substances in the catalyst or at intermediate stages of a chemical process. This especially happens when the platinum particles sintered together to form larger conglomerates. Look for suppliers or manufacturers that provide quality certificates showing the platinum content and other concentration metallic impurities.

Specifications and forms

Platinum oxides come in various physical forms such as powders with different particle sizes, and specifications such as PtO₂ or PtO₄, or varying degrees of crystallinity, for instance, the difference between regular catalyst and fuel cell catalyst. Different applications require different types of platinum oxide, so ensure the right product is purchased. For example, the pharmaceutical industry requires platinum oxide with ultrafine particle size and high surface area specifications for efficiency, especially in hydrogenation reactions. Meanwhile, for industrial chemical processes, only the standard catalyst specifications are typically appropriate.

Reputation and reliability of the supplier

For chemical products like platinum oxide, quality consistency is of the utmost importance and can only be guaranteed by a reputable supplier or manufacturer. Price should also not be a huge motivator when choosing to work with a supplier because finding platinum oxide at a cheaper than usual rate should not offset quality, reliability, or customer service. Also, the minimum order requirements should be considered to avoid ordering more than necessary or too little for the needs.

How to use

Platinum oxide is an important substance in many chemical and industrial processes. Below are some of its different uses:\

Chemical synthesis

In the field of organic chemistry, platinum oxide is used to hydrogenate unsaturated organic compounds, add hydrogen across double bonds of fatty acids, amino acids, and alkenes in the pharmaceutical and food industry. It is also used to hydrogenate larger organic molecules containing heteroatoms by functional group interconversions like oximes, which are converted to amines, or nitriles to acetonitrile in the manufacture of nmethylpyrrolidone. Other than that, platinum oxide can also be used to reduce metal ions to lower oxidation states in chemical synthesis.

Catalysis

Platinum oxides are used in both chemical and petrochemical industries as a catalyst for the production of valuable chemicals and for the isomerization of hydrocarbons to obtain products like benzene to phenol. In other industries, platinum oxide catalyzed reactions are used to produce alcohols from alkenes and acids from alcohols by oxidative fermentation. One annoying characteristic of platinum catalysts is that they can leach, therefore, they need to be deposited on solid acids to improve their stability such as zeolites or catalyic resins.

Hydrogen storage and release

Platinum oxide can also be used in the development of advanced materials for hydrogen storage and release. Hydrogen molecules are absorbed and dissociated by platinum-based materials into active species, which then react with the hydrogen to form metal-hydride complexes that can store a lot of energy within small volumes. This has especially been done to develop hydrogen storage devices for fuel cell vehicles as a safer and denser storage alternative.

Nanotechnology

In nanotechnology, platinum oxide is used as a seed material to grow platinum nanocrystals that are used in various catalytic, electronic, and biomedical applications. These nanocrystals mimic nature's catalysts and are highly efficient in chemical conversions.

Industry

The main industry for platinum oxide is within chemicals and catalysis, where it is used as a catalyst for various reactions such as hydrogenation, isomerization, and oxidation. It is widely used in organic synthesis for the production of bulk chemicals and pharmaceuticals, hydrogenation reactions to add hydrogen across double bonds of organic molecules for producing amines, fatty acids, and naturally occurring compounds. It is also used in petroleum refining to convert heavy hydrocarbon fractions into more valuable lighter products and chemical intermediates.

Technology industry

Platinum oxide is used in the emerging hydrogen storage technology under development for fuel cell vehicles and other applications where hydrogen needs to be stored safely. It is also gaining interest in nanotechnology as a seed for growing platinum nanostrystals used in catalysis and other applications in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry.

Manufacturing industry

In manufacturing, it is used to produce high mass, high purity catalytic materials for high demand electrical contacts, especially within the automotive industry. Because of its excellent conductivity, resistance to corrosion, and low oxidation potential, it is an excellent material to be used as an inert finisher for lead-ed alloy and other materials for instance, to promote an even and smooth oxide layer to increase the lifetime of electrical parts. It is also used as a catalyst in the reduction of no to nontoxic nitrogen during the production of nitric acid used in the manufacture of fertilizers.

Pharmaceutical industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used to produce drugs by hydrogenating certain functional groups to increase their effectiveness or reduce side effects. It is also used in the burgeoning clean energy sector to develop and improve hydrogen fuel cells, which are promising alternatives to traditional combustion engine vehicles.

Q&A

Q1. Can platinum oxides be safely handled?

A1. Both kinds of platinum oxide are potentially harmful when inhaled as they can cause damage to the lungs and respiratory tract. PtO₂ is particularly hazardous as it contains small, insoluble particles that can remain in the lungs for a long time, causing serious health problems such as fibrosis or lung cancer. Platinum(IV) oxide is less harmful, but it still has the possibility of causing respiratory irritation and other health effects.

Q2. Why do people store platinum oxide in closed containers?

A2. Platinum oxide can absorb humidity from the environment, which can lead to its reduction and loss of catalytic activity.

Q3. What are the common symptoms of platinum oxide exposure?

A3. The common symptoms of platinum oxide exposure are coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. These are the symptoms associated with respiratory tract irritation. Other than that, long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory diseases like bronchitis or even lung cancer in the case of platinum(II) oxide.

Q4. How can accidental ingestion of platinum oxide be treated?

A4. If platinum oxide is ingested accidentally, it is advised to drink plenty of water to dilute the substance and minimize its irritation potential.

Q5. How can one ensure they are protected from the harmful effects of platinum oxide?

A5. The most effective way to ensure protection from platinum oxide is by using personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and goggles when handling platinum oxide.