The value of scrap catalytic converters is determined by processors based on recovered metal ounces. The sampled converters undergo laboratory assay. This process has strict protocols to ensure recyclers receive accurate returns on their converters. These precious metals are in high demand. Unfortunately, these metals can only be extracted with proper equipment and expertise.
Gold
Although it’s not as precious as platinum or palladium, gold is still one of the most valuable metals in the world. The average ounce of gold costs about USD 4,500. It can be used to make jewelry, tint windows, etc. Because of their high value, catalytic converters are among the most commonly stolen car parts. Despite being difficult to remove, thieves are willing to risk getting caught to get the rare metals they want. Taking your vehicle to a licensed processing center that follows state and federal regulations is essential. Professional recyclers use various methods to extract precious metals from a catalytic converter scrap. They can use a chemical solution called CBX or StripFree to remove the stainless steel layer and reveal the pure gold underneath. They also use fire refining techniques that combine manganese dioxide, fluoride, silica flour, and borax to separate the gold from other metals in the catalytic converter.
Platinum
Platinum is a precious silvery metal that has an extremely high melting point. It is a component of catalytic converters, which help lower the quantity of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in vehicle exhaust fumes. The average car contains about 3-7 grams of platinum in its catalytic converter. This platinum can be extracted from the honeycomb filter inside a vehicle’s catalytic converter. The platinum in a catalytic converter is usually concentrated and separated from the other metals in a chemical-based refining process called “aqua regia” (royal water). This acid is a mixture of one part nitric acid and three parts hydrochloric acid, which must be handled as it is dangerous. This process can be costly and necessitates specialized equipment to operate effectively. It can also produce low yields of precious metals. Many recyclers use a more efficient and cost-effective physical refining process to separate the platinum.
Palladium
A catalyst is a substance that speeds up or increases the rate of a chemical reaction. Catalytic converters use catalysts to oxidize the harmful gases in an automobile’s exhaust into less dangerous compounds. Palladium and platinum, two valuable and difficult-to-find precious metals, are the ones found in catalytic converters. Using a hydrometallurgical process, it’s possible to recover these metals from spent automotive catalysts. These processes are reported to be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than traditional cyanide leaching.
The process involves dissolving the spent automotive catalysts in alkaline aqueous solutions with various reagents. The solution is mixed with a powdered material containing ceria and zirconia to prevent the catalytic converter from sintering. The reagents are dissolved in organic solvents such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), tetrahydrofuran, or acetonitrile. The mixture is agitated under mild reaction conditions to extract the palladium from the cited materials.
Rhodium
Rhodium is a rare precious metal with an incredibly high price tag. It’s found in cat converters along with platinum and palladium to help reduce harmful gases emitted from cars by breaking them down into oxygen and nitrogen. Rhodium’s price fluctuates wildly, making it a volatile and unreliable source of income. It costs over $435 per gram and can take years to recover the investment required for processing.
Getting the most value from scrap catalytic converters requires careful sampling and grading. The process is dangerous and requires expensive equipment. It’s also illegal to open a business for recycling without the proper licensing. That means you’d need to invest a lot of money, tools, and time to extract even a few grams of rhodium from your scrap catalytic converters. That’s why it’s best to sell your scrap converters directly to a buyer with the experience and expertise necessary to provide you with a fair and honest return on your investment.