Platinum is used in catalysts because it is highly active for many chemical reactions, resists poisoning and corrosion under harsh conditions, and remains stable at high temperatures, making it effective and durable for both industrial processes and pollution control.[4][7]
Platinum’s atomic properties make it an excellent surface for chemical reactions: its d-electrons allow adsorption and activation of molecules such as hydrogen, oxygen, and hydrocarbons, lowering activation energy and increasing reaction rates.[2][4] Platinum also shows strong selectivity for desired reaction pathways in processes like hydrogenation, oxidation, and reforming, which helps industry achieve higher yields and fewer byproducts.[2][4]
Platinum’s resistance to oxidation and its thermal stability permit long service life in high-temperature environments such as catalytic converters and petroleum refining units, reducing the frequency of replacement and downtime.[7][4]
In many applications platinum is tolerant of reactive and corrosive gases; this chemical inertness helps preserve catalyst structure and performance in demanding industrial settings like nitric acid production and chemical synthesis where alternatives may degrade more quickly.[2][7]
For hydrogen and fuel-cell related catalysis, platinum provides superior electrochemical activity for reactions such as hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction, which is why proton exchange membrane fuel cells and electrolysers commonly rely on platinum-based catalysts despite their cost.[1][5]
Economics and supply considerations shape platinum use: its high cost and limited supply encourage manufacturers to minimize metal loading through supports (for example, dispersing tiny platinum nanoparticles on oxides or carbon) and to develop recycling and recovery programs to reclaim platinum from spent catalysts.[7][6]
Because some reactions cannot be matched by other materials without sacrificing performance or durability, platinum remains indispensable in certain critical sectors—automotive emission control, specialized chemical manufacture, and some fuel-cell technologies—where substitution is technically difficult or economically unfavorable.[2][4]
Sources
https://www.factmr.com/report/united-states-fuel-cell-catalyst
https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/chinas-strategic-critical-mineral-classification-of-platinum-its-investment-implications-for-global-pgm-supply-pricing-and-emerging-developers
https://www.samaterials.com/blog/5-common-types-of-catalytic-material.html
https://discoveryalert.com.au/pgm-catalyzed-water-splitting-mechanisms-2025/
https://matthey.com/products-and-markets/pgms-and-circularity