Iridium
(information)
✅ Continuing with **Iridium (Ir)** — one of the rarest and most corrosion-resistant metals known. As part of the platinum group, Iridium is prized for its **extreme durability, high melting point (2446 °C), and resistance to oxidation**, making it essential in **electronics, aerospace, chemical processing, and high-precision instruments**. --- # ⚙️ Modern Iridium Uses by Industry (Option A Format) ### ⚡ **1–5: Electronics & Electrical Components (~35–40%)** 1. **Electrical Contacts & Spark Plugs** – Iridium electrodes resist wear and oxidation in extreme heat (used in aircraft and high-performance vehicles). 2. **Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment** – Crucibles, sputtering targets, and electrodes for chip fabrication. 3. **Thin-Film Deposition & Electrodes** – For OLED displays, sensors, and integrated circuits. 4. **Electrochemical Cells & Fuel Cells** – Iridium oxide (IrO₂) used as a durable oxygen-evolution catalyst. 5. **Medical Device Electrodes** – Stable, biocompatible coatings for neurostimulation and pacemakers. --- ### 🧪 **6–10: Chemical Catalysis & Industrial Processing (~25–30%)** 6. **Hydrogenation & Oxidation Catalysts** – Iridium complexes in fine chemical and pharmaceutical synthesis. 7. **Petrochemical Catalysts (Ir–Pt Alloys)** – Hydrocarbon reforming and alkane dehydrogenation. 8. **Water Electrolysis (PEM Cells)** – IrO₂ anodes in proton-exchange membrane electrolyzers for green hydrogen. 9. **Nitric Acid & Methanol Production Catalysts** – High-temperature oxidation catalysts. 10. **Ammonia Decomposition Catalysts** – For hydrogen generation in chemical plants. --- ### ✈️ **11–14: Aerospace & High-Temperature Alloys (~15–20%)** 11. **Iridium–Rhenium Alloys (Ir–Re)** – Rocket engine combustion chambers and nozzles. 12. **Spacecraft Components** – Thermal shields and radiation-resistant coatings. 13. **Satellite Thruster Components** – Iridium-coated chambers for hydrazine decomposition. 14. **Thermocouple Sheaths & Crucibles** – For crystal growth and molten metal containment. --- ### 💎 **15–17: Jewelry & Decorative Applications (~5–7%)** 15. **Platinum–Iridium Jewelry Alloys** – Increases hardness and durability for luxury goods. 16. **Watch Bearings & Premium Components** – Corrosion-proof micro parts. 17. **Commemorative Coins & Precision Weights** – The original kilogram standard (Pt–Ir cylinder) was made of iridium alloy. --- ### 🔬 **18–20: Specialty & Emerging (~3–5%)** 18. **Radiation Shields & Containers** – Iridium-192 isotope used in industrial radiography and cancer therapy. 19. **Quantum & Photonic Research** – Ir-based oxides (Sr₂IrO₄) in topological and spintronic materials. 20. **Hydrogen Economy Catalysts (Next-Gen)** – IrO₂ and Ir nanoparticles in sustainable fuel research. --- ### 📌 Sector Share Summary | Sector Group | % of Global Iridium Use | | ----------------------------------- | ----------------------- | | Electronics & Electrical Components | ~35–40% | | Catalysis & Industrial Processing | ~25–30% | | Aerospace & High-Temp Alloys | ~15–20% | | Jewelry & Decorative Uses | ~5–7% | | Specialty & Emerging | ~3–5% | --- ✅ **Next element:** **Platinum (Pt)** — the most famous platinum-group metal, central to **automotive catalysts, jewelry, fuel cells, and chemical refining**. Say **“continue”** to move on to **Platinum** in the same structured format.Known Methods of Extraction
Perfect 👍 — next in **periodic table order** is **Iridium (Ir, atomic number 77).** Iridium is a **transition metal** that occurs primarily in **platinum group metal ores (PGMs)** such as **osmiridium**, **platinum nuggets**, and **nickel-copper sulfide ores**. Industrial extraction involves **concentration, chemical separation, and reduction**. Here are the **20 most common methods of extracting Iridium**: --- # **20 Most Common Methods of Extracting Iridium** ### **A. Extraction from Platinum Group Ores** 1. **Mining of PGM Ores (Nickel-Copper or Platinoid Ores)** – Primary source of iridium. 2. **Crushing and Grinding of Ore** – Prepares material for concentration. 3. **Gravity and Magnetic Separation** – Enriches iridium-containing minerals. 4. **Froth Flotation** – Concentrates PGMs including Ir, Os, Pt, Rh, Ru, Pd. 5. **Smelting to Separate Base Metals** – Iridium remains in the noble metal fraction. 6. **Acid Digestion of PGM Concentrates (Aqua Regia)** – Dissolves noble metals for separation. --- ### **B. Chemical Separation of Iridium** 7. **Precipitation of Iridium Chlorides (IrCl₃, IrCl₄)** – Separates Ir from other PGMs. 8. **Formation of Ammonium Hexachloroiridate ((NH₄)₂\[IrCl₆])** – Key intermediate for purification. 9. **Reduction of Iridium Salts to Metallic Iridium Powder** – Converts intermediates to elemental iridium. 10. **Ion Exchange Chromatography** – Laboratory or industrial scale purification. 11. **Solvent Extraction of Iridium Complexes** – Separates Ir from platinum, osmium, and rhodium. 12. **Selective Precipitation of Iridium Compounds** – Produces intermediates suitable for reduction. --- ### **C. Conversion to Iridium Compounds** 13. **Calcination of Iridium Salts** – Removes impurities before final reduction. 14. **Preparation of Iridium Oxides (IrO₂, IrO₃)** – Intermediates for catalysis or metallic Ir. 15. **Preparation of Iridium Alloys** – Mixed with platinum, osmium, or rhodium for industrial applications. 16. **Volatilization and Condensation of Iridium Compounds** – Laboratory-scale separation from other PGMs. --- ### **D. Recovery and Secondary Sources** 17. **Recovery from Platinum Refinery Residues** – Flue dusts and sludges treated for iridium. 18. **Recovery from Scrap Catalysts Containing PGMs** – Hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical extraction. 19. **Recovery from Nickel-Copper Smelting Slags** – Chemical leaching and selective precipitation. 20. **Laboratory-Scale Extraction from Secondary Sources** – Analytical isolation and purification of iridium. --- ✅ **Summary:** * **Main industrial sources:** Platinum group ores, nickel-copper sulfide ores. * **Primary extraction steps:** Ore concentration → smelting → acid digestion → formation of iridium chlorides → reduction to metallic iridium. * **Metallic iridium:** Produced via reduction of IrCl₃, IrCl₄, or (NH₄)₂\[IrCl₆]. * **Byproduct/secondary sources:** Platinum refinery residues, PGM scrap catalysts, smelting slags. * **Laboratory/experimental:** Ion exchange, solvent extraction, selective precipitation, calcination, and reduction cycles. --- Next in periodic order is \*\*Platinum (Pt, atomic number 78). Do you want me to continue with **20 extraction methods for Platinum**?
