Group 10 element

Group 10 elements are a group of chemical elements in the periodic table. These elements, which are all transition metals, include nickel (Ni), palladium (Pd), and platinum (Pt). They are situated in the 10th column (or Group 10) of the periodic table and share similar properties, including strong resistance to corrosion, excellent high-temperature characteristics, and distinctive catalytic properties.

Properties

Group 10 metals are characterized by their remarkable resistance to corrosion and oxidation in moist air, unlike most other metals. These properties make them valuable in various industrial applications, including the manufacture of jewelry, electrical contacts, and equipment used in high-temperature environments. They are also well-known for their catalytic activities, which are crucial in processes such as hydrogenation reactions and automotive catalysts to reduce emissions.

Occurrence

Nickel, palladium, and platinum are relatively rare in the Earth's crust. Nickel is the most abundant in this group, found in various minerals and used extensively in stainless steel and other alloys. Palladium and platinum are rarer and are often found together in ore deposits. They are primarily extracted from mines in South Africa, Russia, and Canada.

Applications

1. 1. 1. Nickel

Nickel is widely used in the production of stainless steel and other corrosion-resistant alloys. It is also used in nickel-cadmium batteries and as a catalyst in some industrial chemical reactions.

1. 1. 1. Palladium

Palladium is extensively used in the jewelry industry as a material for white gold. It is also a crucial component of catalytic converters in automobiles, which help control emissions of harmful gases.

1. 1. 1. Platinum

Platinum is highly valued for its use in jewelry due to its lustrous appearance and resistance to tarnishing. It is also a key material in various medical applications, including in pacemakers and chemotherapy drugs. Additionally, platinum is used as a catalyst in the production of silicone and other materials.

Health and Environmental Impact

While Group 10 metals are invaluable in various applications, they must be handled with care due to their potential health and environmental impacts. Nickel, for example, can cause allergic reactions such as dermatitis when in contact with the skin. Both palladium and platinum require careful handling to avoid occupational exposure that could lead to respiratory issues.

See Also

• Transition metal
• Catalysis
• Corrosion
• Periodic table