Platinum Metals Review - Volume 37, Issue 3, 1993

The State Institute for the Nitrogen Industry is one of the oldest industrial branches of the research and engineering institutes in Russia and the former U.S.S.R., and in 1991 the Institute celebrated its sixtieth anniversary. This paper gives a brief overview of the main results of work carried out by GIAP alone and in co-operation with other organisations over the past 50 years on the optimisation of the production of non-concentrated nitric acid. In particular developments to reduce the amounts of platinum group metals used in ammonia oxidation and waste gas cleaing, and ways to reduce platinum group metal losses are discussed.

The utilisation of advanced sensing techniques for detecting, indicating and monitoring toxic gases in industry and the environment is very important for health and safety. In this paper, the application of electrochemical, semiconductor, catalytic Field effect and catalytic gas sensors for the detection of toxic gases, and the role of platinum group metals in these devices, is discussed.

Combining imaginative design with outstanding craftsmanship, the decorative objects made by Fabergé for many years Goldsmith to the Imperial Court of Russia, were intended not only to delight but also, in many instances, to amuse those fortunate enough to receive them. The masterpieces produced in his workshops continue to be highly regarded by museums and private collectors, and demonstrate his ability to use a wide variety of precious materials, including platinum and its alloys, to create fascinating objects for a privileged clientele, which was later destroyed or dispersed by the combined effects of the First World War and the Russian Revolution.