Ruthenium is a chemical element with the symbol Ru and atomic number 44. It is a rare, dense, and hard metal that is found in the Earth's crust in small quantities.
Sources of Ruthenium:
Platinum Ores: Ruthenium is often found in small quantities in platinum ores, such as platinum and palladium sulfides, and can be extracted from these ores using a variety of methods.
Copper Ores: Ruthenium can also be found in small quantities in copper ores and can be extracted from these ores using a variety of methods.
Uses of Ruthenium:
Electroplating: Ruthenium is used in electroplating to provide a hard, corrosion-resistant coating on various metals and alloys.
Alloys: Ruthenium is used in alloys, particularly with platinum, to increase the strength, hardness, and durability of the alloy.
Catalysts: Ruthenium is used in catalysts, particularly in the chemical industry, where it is used to catalyze reactions in the production of chemicals, such as plastics and fertilizers.
Other Applications: Ruthenium is also used in other applications, such as in the production of electronic components and in the manufacture of superconducting materials.
Production of Ruthenium:
Mining: Ruthenium is produced by mining platinum ores and copper ores and then processing the ore to obtain the metal.
Reduction: Ruthenium can also be produced by reducing ruthenium compounds, such as ruthenium oxide, with other elements.
Properties of Ruthenium:
Physical Properties: Ruthenium is a dense, hard metal that is relatively stable in air and has a high melting point.
Chemical Properties: Ruthenium is a reactive metal and readily forms compounds with other elements.
Extract: Ruthenium is extracted from platinum ores and copper ores by mining and processing the ore. Ruthenium compounds, such as ruthenium oxide, can be obtained by chemical reactions with other elements.