Platinum is a rare, shiny metal that plays a big role in industry and technology because it resists corrosion, handles high heat, and speeds up chemical reactions. Its uses span cars, electronics, medicine, and more, making it essential in modern life.
In the auto industry, platinum shines brightest in catalytic converters. These devices clean up harmful exhaust gases from car engines, turning them into less toxic ones like water vapor and carbon dioxide. About 45 percent of all platinum goes into these converters, especially in diesel vehicles.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platinumhttps://www.britannica.com/science/platinumhttps://goldsell.co.uk/what-is-platinum-used-for/
The chemical and oil refining sectors rely on platinum as a catalyst too. It helps break down crude oil into gasoline and other fuels, and speeds up reactions to make fertilizers and plastics. Petroleum refining alone uses around 9 percent of the world’s platinum supply.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platinumhttps://www.britannica.com/science/platinum
In electronics and tech, platinum makes reliable electrical contacts and electrodes. It withstands the sparks and heat from electric arcs without wearing out, so it’s perfect for hard disk drives, spark plugs, and sensors. Platinum also powers the green energy shift in fuel cells, where it helps hydrogen and oxygen react to produce clean electricity for vehicles and power plants.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platinumhttps://www.britannica.com/science/platinumhttps://thormetalsgroup.com/resource/december-12-2025-why-a-structural-deficit-and-hydrogen-economy-could-boost-platinum/
Laboratories love platinum for its chemical inertness. Scientists use it in crucibles, pans, and wires for high-temperature experiments up to 1000 degrees Celsius, like thermogravimetric analysis. Platinum resistance thermometers measure extreme temperatures accurately, from near absolute zero to over 900 degrees Celsius.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platinumhttps://www.britannica.com/science/platinum
Medicine benefits from platinum compounds like cisplatin, which fight cancers such as ovarian and lung types. It’s also in dental tools, surgical pins, and prostheses, often alloyed with iridium for extra strength.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platinumhttps://www.britannica.com/science/platinumhttps://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Platinum
The glass industry uses platinum to handle molten glass without it sticking, thanks to the metal’s non-wetting property. In semiconductors and data centers, small amounts plate components for better performance.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platinumhttps://www.goldavenue.com/en/blog/newsletter-precious-metals-spotlight/should-you-consider-investing-in-platinum-and-palladium
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platinum
https://www.britannica.com/science/platinum
https://goldsell.co.uk/what-is-platinum-used-for/
https://thormetalsgroup.com/resource/december-12-2025-why-a-structural-deficit-and-hydrogen-economy-could-boost-platinum/
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Platinum
https://www.goldavenue.com/en/blog/newsletter-precious-metals-spotlight/should-you-consider-investing-in-platinum-and-palladium