Chemistry of Platinum Group Metals

Informations projet

CHemPGM

N° de convention de subvention: 101007669

DOI

10.3030/101007669

Date de signature de la CE 24 Novembre 2020

Date de début 1 Octobre 2021

Date de fin 30 Septembre 2026

Financé au titre de

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Coût total

€ 736 000,00

Contribution de l’UE

€ 736 000,00

Coordonné par

MONOLITHOS KATALITES KE ANAKIKLOSI ETAIREIA PERIORISMENIS EVTHINIS
Greece

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - CHemPGM (Chemistry of Platinum Group Metals)

Période du rapport: 2021-10-01 au 2024-09-30

Résumé du contexte et des objectifs généraux du projet

The CHemPGM project is a multidisciplinary initiative designed to investigate the chemistry and utilization of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) through international and intersectoral collaboration. Recognizing the critical importance of PGMs for sustainable and advanced technologies, the project brings together universities, research organizations, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to form a comprehensive value chain approach. The CHemPGM project addresses critical challenges in the exploitation and utilization of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)—platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium. These metals are essential for industries such as catalysis, emission control, and green technology. However, they face several challenges like:
- Low recycling rates and inefficient recovery technologies.
- Dependence on limited suppliers (South Africa, Russia).
- Environmentally taxing extraction processes and waste generation.
- Complexities in processing low-grade ores and diverse secondary sources like spent catalysts.

CHemPGM addresses these issues by:
- Advancing understanding of PGM chemistry and recovery processes.
- Developing sustainable recycling methods for high-value applications.
- Promoting industrial symbiosis and circular economy practices.
- Supporting international goals like the European Green Deal and SDGs.

PGMs are crucial for sustainable technologies, supporting Europe's clean energy transition and climate goals. CHemPGM fosters a circular economy, reduces environmental impact, and strengthens supply chain resilience, enhancing EU economic stability and competitiveness.

The CHemPGM project aims to:
- Optimize PGM extraction, separation, and recovery processes.
- Develop sustainable technologies for applications like nanomaterials, catalytic converters, and CO2 capture.
- Align policy-making and standards with circular economy principles.
- Strengthen the EU’s PGM supply chain security.
- Bridge the gap between theoretical research and industrial applications.

Methodology:
- Characterization and Leaching: Uses advanced techniques to extract PGMs from spent autocatalysts and residues, maximizing recovery with minimal environmental impact.
- Separation and Recovery: Employs solvent extraction, ion exchange, and precipitation to recover PGMs in high purity and tailored forms.
- Application Development: Incorporates recovered PGMs into nanomaterials, catalytic devices, and CO2 capture systems to explore industrial applications.
- Evaluation and Standardization: Assesses environmental, economic, and social impacts using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to inform regulatory frameworks and align with sustainability goals.

Travail effectué depuis le début du projet jusqu’à la fin de la période considérée dans le rapport et principaux résultats atteints jusqu’à présent

The CHemPGM project made substantial progress during the first reporting period, achieving all planned deliverables and milestones on schedule. A total of 47 research months were completed through secondments, facilitating knowledge transfer and skill development.

Achievements by Work Package
WP1: Project Management and Coordination
Developed the Project Reporting Templates, Management Handbook, and Data Management Plan to enhance coordination and ensure high-quality management standards. Robust data management protocols were implemented to handle project outcomes responsibly.

WP2: Advanced Characterization and Leaching of PGMs
Characterized low-grade PGM materials using advanced techniques like XRF, XRD, SEM/EDS, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. D2.1 documented the analysis of spent catalysts and mining tailings, which underwent calcination to enhance metal recovery. Optimized hydrometallurgical processes improved recovery rates.

WP3: Separation and Recovery of PGMs
D3.3 reported on the electrochemical characterization of leachates, optimizing separation techniques. Higher temperatures and agitation improved recovery efficiency and reduced impurities.

WP4: Incorporation of PGMs in Applications
PGMs recovered through project processes were used in applications like catalytic converters and nanomaterials. Recycled PGMs demonstrated comparable performance to commercial precursors.

WP5: Process Evaluation, Policy Making, and Standardization
D5.1 provided a SWOT analysis of the PGM production value chain, integrating regulatory, economic, and environmental insights. D5.2 highlighted environmental benefits, showing a 66% reduction in impacts compared to primary production.

WP6: Impact Management, Dissemination, and Communication
D6.1 launched the project website (https://chempgm.com/) and social media profiles, providing platforms to share updates, deliverables, and achievements. D6.2 outlined a dissemination plan to maximize visibility and impact. The project’s website and social media channels extended its reach, sharing updates and engaging stakeholders. Significant recognition was achieved through publications, conferences, and collaborative efforts, fostering knowledge exchange and strengthening partnerships.

Additional Research and Innovations
- Developed methods for synthesizing nanocatalytic powders from PGM leachates, achieving high activity for vehicle emission control.
- Optimized copper cementation processes for PGM recovery, improving efficiency and reducing environmental impacts.

Progrès au-delà de l’état des connaissances et impact potentiel prévu (y compris l’impact socio-économique et les conséquences sociétales plus larges du projet jusqu’à présent)

The CHemPGM project advances the recovery, utilization, and sustainability of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) beyond current practices.

Progress Beyond the State of the Art

- Advanced Characterization: Uses cutting-edge analytical methods (XRF, XRD, SEM/EDS, FTIR, Mössbauer) for detailed analysis of low-grade and secondary PGM sources.
- Innovative Recycling: Develops energy-efficient hydrometallurgical methods and optimizes leaching for complex materials like spent catalysts and residues.
- Sustainable Catalysts: Synthesizes nanocatalytic powders from recovered PGMs with performance comparable to commercial precursors, targeting emission control and CO2 capture.
- Electrochemical Advances: Improves separation and recovery processes using advanced electrochemical techniques like cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry.
- Circular Economy: Implements industrial symbiosis models to reduce waste and reliance on primary sources.

Expected Results

- Technical Outputs: Validate optimized recycling processes and scalable PGM recovery methods.
- Environmental Benefits: Reduce environmental impacts and establish low-carbon recycling practices.
- Industrial and Economic Gains: Enhance economic viability and strengthen the EU’s global PGM supply chain independence.
- Dissemination: Raise public and industrial awareness through websites, social media, and collaborations.
- Policy Contributions: Provide guidelines for sustainable PGM production and recycling.

Potential Impacts

- Socio-Economic:
Job Creation: Generate employment in recycling, manufacturing, and catalyst development.
Economic Growth: Strengthen Europe’s competitiveness with improved recovery efficiencies.
Cost Savings: Lower material and energy costs compared to primary production.

- Environmental:
Reduce CO2 emissions and energy use with hydrometallurgical methods.
Improve waste management and promote material reuse.

- Societal:
Promote a circular economy aligned with EU Green Deal and SDGs.
Foster public awareness through education and outreach.

- Scientific/Technological:
Position the EU as a leader in sustainable recycling technologies.
Set benchmarks for global adoption of innovative PGM practices.

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