Applied Rigaku Technologies has announced an efficient and economical method for the direct analysis of the precious metals content of recovered catalytic converter cores. The method demonstrates the use of the Rigaku NEX CG benchtop EDXRF analyser in the determination of precious metals in catalyst material.
A typical catalytic converter contains a ceramic core coated with a layer containing a combination of platinum group metals (Pt, Pd, Rh). These converters are often recycled. Analysis of precious metals content of recovered catalytic converter cores is critical to assessing value of these elements within the automotive recycling stream.
In this application, a calibration method was built using the Rigaku RPF-SQX Fundamental Parameters template, an advanced FP program that automatically deciphers overlapping elemental peaks and models the sample matrix using fundamental XRF equations. This allows for a measurement of elemental concentrations without the need for known assayed calibration standards. A Matching Library, using three assayed samples, was employed in conjunction with the software to enhance the accuracy of the results.
The program offers quick, direct analysis of powdered catalytic converter cores, without the need for a large suite of calibration standards. The analyser, with its high-performance Cartesian geometry and user-friendly software, therefore provides a convenient and valuable tool for the catalytic converter recycling industry.