Palladium is a rare silvery-white colored metal used widely in automobiles and electronic equipment. This article talks about palladium’s electrical conductivity.
Palladium is a conductor of electricity because it is a metal, although it has good resistance to prevent corrosion. The electronic configuration of palladium is [Kr] 4d10, having a stable and filled valence orbital that results in its high resistance. Thus, the electrical energy produced by palladium is small.
Palladium is used in ornament, dentistry, and automobile industries as a pollution-reducing agent in cars. We shall further illuminate how palladium can conduct electricity and study its electrical conductivity. We shall also discuss various uses of palladium as a conductor and its thermal conductivity.
How does palladium conduct electricity?
Palladium does not have free electrons, but it still conducts electricity. Let us discuss in detail how palladium can conduct electricity.
Palladium conducts electricity due to the motion of electrons. Also, it absorbs hydrogen at 80 degrees and above temperatures in the presence of oxygen. The absorption reduces the flexibility of palladium and becomes strong and tough, intensifying its electrical conductivity and magnetic properties.
Electrical Conductivity of Palladium
The electrical conductivity of palladium is inversely related to its high resistivity. Let us discuss in brief the electrical conductivity of palladium.
The electrical conductivity of palladium is 9.52 × 106 S/m as its electrical resistivity is 105 nΏ.m. The palladium’s electrical conductivity (σ) and resistivity (ρ) are related to each other as σ = 1/ρ. The conductivity determines the rate of electric flux flow through it.
Is palladium a good conductor of electricity?
Good conductors of electricity allow the flow of electric flux and conduct the current flow through it. Let us talk about the electric conductivity of palladium.
Palladium is a good conductor of electricity due to its face-centered cubic structure that allows easy mobility of electrons generating the flow of electricity. The fcc structure increases the density of electrons per cubic volume of the palladium, increasing the electric flux density through the metal.
Uses of Palladium as Conductor
Palladium is a resistive, malleable, ductile metal used for various electrical appliances due to its electric conductivity. Let us list some of the palladium uses as a conductor.
- Palladium is used as an electrode in ceramic capacitors.
- Palladium is used as connector plating.
- Palladium is plated on the strips used for blood sugar tests.
- Palladium is used in sensors to detect carbon monoxide.
- Palladium is used in making aircraft spark plugs and electrical contacts.
Does palladium conduct heat?
The heat conductivity of palladium is determined by its property of thermal conductivity. Let us elaborately discuss whether palladium conducts heat or not.
Palladium conducts heat and allows the heat to flow through it. The thermal/heat conductivity of palladium is 72 W/m.K and is inversely related to the thermal resistivity of palladium. The melting point of palladium is 1555 degree Celsius and its heat capacity is 0.24 J/g.K and expands at the rate of 11.8 mm/m.K.
Why is palladium used in fuel cells?
Palladium is used in the electrochemical fuel cell that generates electricity. Let us discuss why palladium is used in fuel cells.
Palladium is used in fuel cells because it absorbs hydrogen easily and reacts with hydrogen and oxygen, producing electric energy, thus allowing the electric flux to pass through the palladium. Hence, palladium is the most important metal used in fuel cells.
Does palladium oxide conduct electricity?
Palladium is a black-green colour metal oxide with a molecular weight of 122.42 mu. Let us talk about the electric conductivity of palladium oxide in detail.
Not all the oxides of palladium conduct electricity, but a few oxides can give an anion of oxygen, and palladium cation generates electricity. Thus, few palladium oxides are used as a cathode in fuel cells. The reaction between palladium and acids can convert chemical energy into electric energy.
Conclusion
We can conclude with this article that palladium can conduct electricity and its conductivity intensifies as it absorbs hydrogen and oxygen, increasing its conductivity and finding its application in batteries. Palladium has good corrosion resistance and is used for electroplating.
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Hi, I’m Akshita Mapari. I have done M.Sc. in Physics. I have worked on projects like Numerical modeling of winds and waves during cyclone, Physics of toys and mechanized thrill machines in amusement park based on Classical Mechanics. I have pursued a course on Arduino and have accomplished some mini projects on Arduino UNO. I always like to explore new zones in the field of science. I personally believe that learning is more enthusiastic when learnt with creativity. Apart from this, I like to read, travel, strumming on guitar, identifying rocks and strata, photography and playing chess.