How Much Palladium is in a Catalytic Converter? A Guide

“How much palladium is in a catalytic converter?” is something that many car owners consider, especially with the fear of getting it stolen. The catalytic converter is a device that reduces emissions from your engine, converting pollutants to less harmful substances.

Palladium is a rare metal that reduces emissions from your car, but it is highly valuable, so there are many cases of people getting their converter stolen. In this guide, we take a look at how much palladium is in the converter and the other metals in the unit.

How Much Palladium Is Found in a Catalytic Converter?

Approximately two to seven grams of palladium is found in a catalytic converter. The amount of palladium in a converter can differ, and although up to seven grams seems like a small amount, palladium has a really high value. That is why there are cases of converter theft.

One gram of palladium is valued at $60, which is also why the catalytic converter scrap prices are quite high. While the amount of palladium in a converter is important to know, the effectiveness of the converter is determined by the engine, design, and emission control system.

The palladium quantities differ based on the model of the converter. Some converters are large while others are small, as it is based on the make and model of the car. You can ask your manufacturer for the specific amount of palladium in your car.

If there are two to seven grams of palladium, there are also 3 to 7 grams of platinum and 1 to 2 grams of rhodium in the average converter. All these metal components are expensive, which is why catalytic converters are so expensive.

How Does Palladium Function in a Catalytic Converter?

Palladium functions in a catalytic converter by converting harmful pollutants into substances that are less harmful. Palladium is a precious metal that has a silver-white color, and it is much rarer than platinum and rhodium. It is expensive and an important part of the converter.

Palladium is less likely to create carbides than other metals, so it can improve oxidation. Palladium works by promoting reactions between hydrogen and nitrogen, so it is used in fuel cells. Palladium also has a high melting point, so it is resistant to heat damage and non-corrosive. It would last for a long time.

Palladium is also a cheaper metal than platinum, and this makes it a top option for many car manufacturers. Palladium is less dense too, so when it is used in the converter, it reduces fuel consumption. It can be found in diesel and gasoline converters, regardless of the car.

Palladium is an important element in catalytic converters, and it must be located in the converter to come in contact with the exhaust gasses. Since palladium gets coated with harmful pollutants, it reduces its effectiveness as it gets coated. So, it’s important to constantly clean the palladium in the converter and replace it when the time comes.

What Do Precious Metals in a Catalytic Converter Do?

Precious metals in a catalytic converter work by reducing harmful emissions from vehicles. The metals are palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), and platinum (Pt), and they are used to create a chemical reaction to convert pollutants into less harmful gasses within the vehicle.

Rhodium

Like palladium, rhodium is a metal and has a silver-white color. It is much rarer than palladium, so it is very expensive. In fact, it is the most expensive metal used to make a converter. Rhodium is also an effective chemical catalyst in reducing harmful pollutants into substances that are less harmful.

Like the other metals in a converter, rhodium has a high melting point. It is highly resistant to heat damage and would last for a long time in your exhaust system. Also, rhodium is a chemically inert metal that won’t get corroded or promote chemical reactions between nitrogen and carbon monoxide.

Platinum

Another metal that you would find in a converter is platinum, which is white with a yellowish shade. It is less rare than the other metals, so it makes it more expensive. Platinum has a high melting point, so it is resistant to thermal degradation, and since it is chemically stable, you can avoid corrosion over time.

When the platinum group metal is in contact with harsh chemicals, temperatures, and exhaust gases, it resists corrosion. This makes it last for a very long time. But platinum increases oxidation reactions when in the converter. This durability makes it ideal for making chemicals like acetic acid and formaldehyde.

Why Are Precious Metals Utilized in Catalytic Converters?

Precious metals are utilized in catalytic converters because they are able to create chemical reactions that can convert harmful pollutants into less harmful gasses. They also have a high melting point, so they won’t get damaged, unlike other metals in the exhaust system.

Aside from being chemically inert and having a high melting point, these metals resist corrosion despite being in contact with harmful gasses in your car. Palladium and platinum have a high potential for improving oxidation. Also, rhodium can reduce nitrogen oxides and is also used in making acetic acid, hydrogenation and nitric acid reactions.

When palladium, platinum and rhodium are used in making converters, it blocks the toxic pollutants from escaping from the car and damaging the environment. The chemical reactions that happen with the combination of these metals and the pollutants in your car lead to less toxic pollutants.

For instance, having palladium in a converter turns 89% of harmful substances into fewer toxic substances. For instance, substances like nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide are harmful and made in your car. But, after passing through the converter, it would convert them to carbon dioxide, water vapor and nitrogen.

What Cars Have Expensive Precious Metals in the Catalytic Converter?

The cars that have expensive precious metals in the catalytic converter include the BMW 760iLi, the Audi V8 L W12, and the Mercedes Benz S600. The metals in the converter differ based on the make and model of your car.

The Mercedes-Benz S600 features catalytic converters with palladium that is valued at $400. Then, BMW 760iLi features a converter with $1300 worth of rhodium, which makes it pretty expensive. You also get the converter on the Audi A8 L W12 quattro for $700 due to the platinum.

Palladium prices per gram are $42.60, while per ounce is $1,325. Palladium is more expensive than gold in some cases because it is much rarer. It is estimated that there are 165 million ounces of palladium and 190 thousand metric tons of gold. The scarcity of palladium increases its price.

Due to the high prices of converters, there are cases of theft. Many drivers have reported that their converters were missing from their cars since they are really expensive. The scrap prices of converters are also quite high, which makes it a target for many criminals. So, keep your car safe.

Can You Recover Palladium From a Catalytic Converter?

Yes, you can recover palladium from a catalytic converter using different methods, including aqua regia and electrolysis. Both methods are effective, but aqua regia is riskier and can cause damage if not done properly, while electrolysis takes longer but is safer.

Aqua regia is a process that involves using nitric acids and hydrochloric acid. This method is dangerous but highly effective. You can also use electrolysis, which works by passing an electric current through the converter. It would take longer to get the palladium out, but it is highly effective.

You can extract palladium from your converter, but you should avoid doing this unless you have the proper knowledge and equipment. It is dangerous, and you can release harmful chemicals into the air if you don’t do it properly. Also, avoid taking someone else’s converter to remove the palladium.

If you really have to remove palladium from your converter, you should take it to a professional to scrap catalytic converter. These services are good for extracting metals safely. They also have the needed equipment to safely remove the palladium without causing harm to the environment or themselves.

How Can You Protect Your Catalytic Converter From Theft?

You can protect your catalytic converter from theft by parking in a well-lit area, installing motion-sensitive lights and cameras in your parking area, using a closed garage, and painting your converter to stop buyers online. Also, check if your car is a likely target based on the value.

There are different symptoms that your converter has been removed from your car. Suppose you notice a loud roar when you start driving your car, especially when you accelerate. Also, you might notice some missing parts under your vehicle, or you would notice an increase in exhaust fumes or weird smells.

You might also notice that your car is sputtering or the acceleration is uneven when you’re driving. The Check Engine Light might also come on when you’re driving due to the catalytic converter. So, even if you won’t notice it missing by looking at your car when you start driving, it would be obvious.

You should follow these protective measures to stop thieves from taking your converter due to palladium. A catalytic converter worth is $3,000 to replace and install a new one into your car. This depends on the make and model of your car, and most car insurance services cover the converter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is Palladium Chosen Over Platinum in Catalytic Converters?

Palladium is chosen over platinum in catalytic converters because it is highly effective in reducing toxic or harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. It is less expensive than platinum too, and has a higher melting point, making it better for manufacturers.

How Much Is a Catalytic Converter in a Toyota Corolla?

A catalytic converter in a Toyota Corolla can cost between $75 and $700, depending on the exact make and year of the car and the converter. You should prevent your converter from getting stolen by parking it in a safe place and cleaning it regularly to prevent damage.

Conclusion

How much palladium is in a catalytic converter matters if you’re thinking of selling your converter or are anxious about the metals in it.

Here’s a summary of this article:

• There are two to seven grams of palladium in a converter, depending on the make and model of the car.
• Palladium, along with platinum and rhodium, are precious metals that are used to design a converter but can attract theft.
• Palladium works by converting harmful gases coming from the car into less toxic gases, reducing your emissions.

If you no longer want to use your converter, you can take it to a service to remove the scrap metals. But, keep in mind that your car won’t pass the emissions test without a converter, so only do it when it is no longer needed.

References

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/catalytic-converter
• https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/palladium.asp