The spelling of "platinum black" is fairly straightforward. "Platinum" is spelled with a "pl" blend followed by the vowel sound "æ" (/ˈplætɪnəm/). "Black" is spelled with the consonant blend "bl" followed by the vowel sound "æ" (/blæk/). The two words are separate and simply placed next to each other. In terms of pronunciation, "platinum black" would be pronounced as /ˈplætɪnəm blæk/. Overall, it's a clear and concise spelling for a commonly used term in the science and engineering fields.
Platinum black refers to a distinctive form of platinum that has a finely divided, porous, and blackened appearance. It is derived by converting platinum salts into a solid precipitate through chemical reduction processes.
Platinum black possesses unique physical and chemical properties, making it highly valuable in various scientific and industrial applications. Due to its finely divided structure, it boasts an extraordinarily large surface area in proportion to its mass, which enhances its catalytic activity. This property has led to its extensive use as a catalyst in numerous chemical reactions, including hydrogenation and oxidation processes.
The black color of platinum black is a result of its high absorbance and scattering properties across the electromagnetic spectrum. This, combined with its porous structure, allows for efficient light absorption and reflects minimal light, giving it its distinctive appearance. These optical properties have made platinum black particularly useful in research and applications related to optics, spectroscopy, and photonics.
Furthermore, platinum black exhibits exceptional conductivity, an attribute often exploited in electrochemical applications. Its high electrical conductivity makes it an excellent material for catalytic and counter electrodes in numerous electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells and electrochemical sensors.
In summary, platinum black is a unique and finely divided form of platinum with a porous and blackened appearance. Its large surface area, catalytic activity, optical properties, and electrical conductivity make it valuable in various scientific, industrial, and technological fields.
Metallic platinum in a finely-divided state.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "platinum" comes from the Spanish word "platina", which means "little silver". It is derived from the Spanish word "plata", which means "silver". The term "platinum" was originally used to describe a natural alloy of platinum and gold found in riverbeds in Central and South America. This metal was considered an impure form of silver and was sometimes referred to as "white gold".
The term "black" in "platinum black" refers to the color of the material when it is in the form of a finely divided powder. When platinum is finely dispersed, it appears black due to its high absorption and low reflection of light.
Therefore, the term "platinum black" combines the word "platinum" to describe the metal itself and "black" to describe its appearance when it is in a particular form.