/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 1 Discuss the extraction of platin... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 21: Problem 1

Discuss the extraction of platinum and name its important ores.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The important ores of Platinum are sperrylite, cooperite and platiniridium. It is also extracted as a byproduct in nickel-copper ores. The extraction process involves crushing and milling the ore, followed by a flotation process, and then smelting at high temperatures. After which, the particles are chemically treated for final purification.

Step by step solution

01

Identifying Platinum Ores

Begin by identifying the major sources of platinum. Platinum is commonly obtained from ores such as sperrylite (PtAs2), cooperite (PtS), and platiniridium (an alloy of platinum and iridium). Another significant source of platinum is as a byproduct in nickel-copper ores.
02

Extraction Process

Platinum extraction is a multi-step process: 1. The ore is crushed and milled to reduce the size of the rock particles and to expose the minerals which contain the pgm. The particles are mixed with water and special reagents and air is blown through the mixture. The minerals attach themselves to the air bubbles and are carried to the surface where a 鈥榝roth鈥� is formed, which is then skimmed off and the pgm content is increased. 2. The product of this process, known as 鈥榝lotation concentrate鈥�, is then dried and smelted in an electric furnace at temperatures of up to 1,500 degrees Celsius. Because of the affinity of nickel and copper for sulfur, the metals are converted to sulfides which separate into a different layer. The residue, which is rich in palladium, platinum and rhodium, forms a separate layer. Any residual gangue phases (i.e. minerals other than pgm) and excess reagents are disposed of.3. The pgm-containing particles are converted to a form suitable for final purification by a chemical process known as 鈥榓qua regia鈥�. The final stage is the production of pure metal for use in a wide range of products and applications.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Platinum Ores
Platinum is a precious metal that can be found in several key ores. These ores are the primary sources from which platinum is extracted. Among the most notable platinum ores are:
  • Sperrylite (PtAs2): This mineral is one of the most significant platinum sources, found primarily in the nickel deposits of Sudbury, Canada.
  • Cooperite (PtS): Present in the Bushveld Igneous Complex of South Africa, this mineral is another vital source of platinum.
  • Platiniridium: An alloy containing both platinum and iridium. While not as prevalent, it is still an important contributor to platinum reserves.
  • Platinum is also recovered as a byproduct from nickel-copper mining, particularly in regions such as Russia and Canada.
Understanding the composition and location of these ores is crucial for efficient platinum extraction, as each ore requires specific processing techniques for optimal recovery.
Froth Flotation
Froth flotation is a pivotal technique in the extraction of platinum. This method is used to concentrate valuable minerals from the crushed ore. The process involves:
  • First, the ore is finely ground to liberate the platinum-group metals (pgm) from the rock.
  • The pulverized ore is mixed with water and an array of reagents. These reagents assist in creating conditions that allow desired minerals to adhere to air bubbles.
  • Air is blown through the mixture, creating bubbles that attach themselves to the pgm-bearing minerals.
  • A stable froth forms at the top, enriched with target minerals, which is then skimmed off for further refining.
This froth, known as "flotation concentrate," prepares the material for the subsequent smelting stage, significantly increasing the concentration of precious metals in the process.
Electric Furnace Smelting
After froth flotation, the next crucial step in platinum extraction is electric furnace smelting. This high-temperature process includes:
  • The flotation concentrate is dried and then exposed to temperatures as high as 1,500 degrees Celsius within an electric furnace.
  • At these temperatures, elements such as nickel and copper convert into sulfides due to their affinity for sulfur. These metal sulfides separate into a distinct layer.
  • The residue left after this separation is rich in precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. This ensures minimal loss of valuable substances during refining.
By effectively utilizing the high temperatures of electric furnace smelting, the ore is simplified into a form easier to purify, setting the stage for the final purification phase.
Aqua Regia Purification
The last step in the intricate process of platinum extraction is purification through aqua regia. This step is essential to achieving high purity levels of platinum:
  • Aqua Regia: This potent chemical mixture, comprised of nitric acid (HNO3) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) in a 1:3 ratio, can dissolve platinum and other noble metals effectively.
  • The precious metals contained in the smelting residue are dissolved in aqua regia, allowing for the separation from less noble constituents.
  • After dissolution, various methods are employed to recover and purify the platinum, including filtration and precipitation.
  • Ultimately, what remains is pure platinum metal, ready for use in numerous applications including jewelry, industrial components, and catalysts.
This stage in the extraction process solidifies the platinum's worth, ensuring that it meets industry standards for purity and quality.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Discuss the purification process of gold in detail.

What is purple of Cassius? Discuss the method of its preparation and its uses.

Give reasons for the following: (a) Au does not dissolve in concentration \(\mathrm{HCl}\) or concentration \(\mathrm{HNO}_{3}\) but dissolves in aqua regia. (b) \(\mathrm{HgCl}_{2}\) is reduced by \(\mathrm{SnCl}_{2}\) but remains unaffected with \(\mathrm{FeSO}_{4}\).

Write short notes on: (1) Perrhenates (2) Tungsten bronzes

Name the important sources of gold and discuss the extraction methods used for recovery of gold from these sources.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.