Limitations to elemental substitution as exemplified by the platinum-group metals

Abstract

Limitations to elemental substitution as exemplified by the platinum-group metals † N. T. Nassar Substitution is often touted as a potential solution to concerns regarding material supply restrictions, yet the degree to which substitution can abate these concerns has not been fully explored. This article examines the issue of elemental substitution by identifying potential substitutes for the platinum-group metals (PGMs) and highlighting factors that may limit substitution in each of their major commercial applications. The findings suggest that substitution is often not possible or is impractical due to various technical and economic reasons. When suitable substitutes are available they are often other PGMs or elements in close proximity to the PGMs on the periodic table, namely Ni, Co, and Au. In several cases, however, substitution has already occurred and further substitution may not be possible. Furthermore, the co-production of PGMs and their most promising potential substitutes from the same mineral deposits limits their ability to substitute for one another in the event of a supply disruption. The combination of these factors suggests that PGM substitution potential for current high-volume applications is limited and that further efforts are needed to develop new technologies that avoid the use of PGMs in order to significantly decrease our reliance on them in the future. † Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See

Evaluating the mineral commodity supply risk of the U.S. manufacturing sector

“…While circumstances vary by the individual manufacturer and commodity, in general, many of these options are undesirable and often have real and substantial limitations and costs. For example, substitution may be possible if an alternative technology is readily available but will often require manufacturers to pay higher prices or accept lower performance (4,10,37). Committing to long-term contracts reduces flexibility, while maintaining large inventories increases costs and ties up working capital.…”

“…These concerns are compounded by the fact that many of the mineral commodities used in emerging technologies are produced mainly or solely as by-products and may have inelastic supply (9). Moreover, the potential for material substitution is often limited (4,10), especially as manufacturers strive for smaller, faster, lighter, and smarter technologies by using each commodity for its particular properties that are uniquely suited for the desired function.…”

Mineral Resources: Reserves, Peak Production and the Future

“…As much as recycling [65] and substitution [73] will be part of the solution, they cannot by themselves solve the problem. Population growth and rising standards of living, combined with the sequestration of elements, like copper in buildings, cars, cell phones, etc., for periods of years to decades and, in some cases, centuries will require new primary supplies of mineral resources.…”

PGE Production in Southern Africa, Part I: Production and Market Trends

“…The use of cheaper substitutes resulted in a decrease in demand and a resulting price drop. Likewise, the demand for Ru decreased in recent years due to the substitution of 'traditional' hard disks by flash drives [33,34]. Rh, as well as Pt and Pd, are mainly used by the automotive industry, accounting for more than three quarters of total demand [35].…”