Palladium black
CAS 7440-05-3
Palladium black is unsupported, finely divided palladium metal with high specific surface area, used directly as a hydrogenation and dehydrogenation catalyst and in electrode and sensor fabrication where a carbon support is undesirable.
Typical specification
| Molecular formula | Pd |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 106.42 |
| Palladium content | ≥ 99.95% (trace metals basis) |
| Appearance | Black metallic powder |
| Specific surface area (BET) | 20 – 60 m²/g (grade-dependent) |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 0.5% |
| Trace impurities (Pt, Rh, Fe, Cu) | ICP report per lot |
| Origin of metal | Primary and certified recycled feed, full assay traceability |
| HS code (export) | 7110210000 |
Lot-specific COA issued with every shipment. SDS and ICP elemental impurity data available on request.
Where Pd black is used
Support-free hydrogenation
Used where Pd/C is unsuitable — hydrogenations requiring carbon-free product streams, low-pressure reductions of olefins, nitro and azide groups, and hydrogenolysis of benzyl protecting groups in API synthesis with straightforward catalyst recovery by filtration.
Electrochemistry and fuel-cell research
A standard electrocatalyst material for hydrogen oxidation, formic acid oxidation and sensor electrodes; its high surface area and purity give reproducible electrochemically active surface area measurements.
Hydrogen storage and purification studies
Palladium's reversible hydride formation makes the black form a convenient laboratory material for hydrogen sorption studies and membrane/getter development.
Storage and shipping
Storage. Store sealed and dry, away from organic vapors and hydrogen. Finely divided palladium can self-heat when contaminated with adsorbed organics.
Shipping. Transport classification depends on particle size and packing; each shipment is covered by a cargo transport condition appraisal for air freight.
Packaging. 1 g · 5 g · 10 g · 50 g · Custom lots by contained-metal weight
Synonyms
- Palladium powder (high surface area)
- Pd black
- Palladium, finely divided
- Unsupported palladium catalyst
Frequently asked questions
How is palladium black priced?
On contained metal: the day's Pd fixing on ≥99.95% content plus a powder fabrication charge per gram. This keeps quotes comparable across suppliers and transparent against the metal market.
Is palladium black hazardous to ship?
Bulk coarse palladium is not intrinsically dangerous goods, but finely divided grades can be classified as self-heating depending on particle size. We supply the SDS and a transport condition appraisal with each air shipment so customs and carriers accept the cargo without delay.
Can you match a specific surface area or particle size?
Yes — BET surface area and particle size distribution can be specified per lot, with the analysis included on the COA. Tell us the target range in your inquiry.
Do you buy back spent palladium black?
Yes. Spent catalyst is assayed on receipt and the recovered metal credited against new supply — typically the largest single saving in a hydrogenation process's Pd budget.