Main uses and applications

One of the six PGMs, rhodium is a precious metal which is considered to be one of the rarest and most valuable precious metals in the world.[1] It is a silver-white metallic element with a high melting point and high resistance to heat, oxidation and corrosion.[2] It is rarely used on its own as it acts as an alloy, due to its strength and resistance to corrosion.[3]

Rhodium is mainly used in the catalytic converters of gasoline-powered vehicles and serves the purpose of reducing the amount of harmful gases emitted from the exhaust into the atmosphere.[4] Through the use of rhodium in catalytic converters, these harmful gases, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, are converted into less toxic gases.[5] This application for rhodium accounts for just over 75% of its global demand.[6]

Rhodium can also be used in making catalysts in the chemical manufacturing sector, for example in the production of explosives.[7] To a lesser degree, rhodium is found in the jewellery industry, where it is used as a plating material due to its reflective and durable surface.[8] Glass production also accounts for a small share of rhodium use as the metal has properties necessary to create the vessels that contain and shape molten glass.[9]