Palladium is a member of the platinum group of metals and is produced from the same ore. British physician William Hyde Wollaston obtained the first pure sample of platinum in 1801, and two years later, isolated palladium as a separate element from platinum ore.
Auto catalysts
Automobile catalytic converters are the largest driver of palladium demand. Softer than platinum, ductile and resistant to oxidation and high temperature corrosion, palladium is useful in eliminating harmful emissions produced by automobile internal combustion engines.
Electronics
Palladium has a number of electronic applications. Its chemical stability and electrical conductivity make it an effective and durable alternative to gold for plating electronic components.
Dentistry
Palladium-based alloys are used in dentistry for dental crowns and bridges. It is also compatible with human tissue and is used, in radioactive form, in the medical industry to treat cancer.
Jewelry
Palladium is used in jewelry primarily as an alloy with platinum to optimize its working characteristics and wear properties. Palladium is also used as an alloy to produce white gold.
Chemical
Palladium is important in refining nitric acid, and has important uses in developing raw materials for synthetic rubber and nylon.
Fuel Cells
Palladium-based alloys are actively being researched for applications in fuel cell technology.
Coinage
Palladium is an attractive metal for producing coins, although Canada is the only country to mint palladium currency. However, a number of private mints, for example Northwest Territorial Mint, produce custom palladium coins.