Aerospace
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and Energy Systems
PGMs are integral to the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which are expected to support aviation decarbonisation. SAF is derived from non-petroleum feedstocks such as waste oils, biomass and captured CO₂ via processes including hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA), Fischer–Tropsch synthesis and alcohol-to-jet conversion.
In these pathways, PGMs function as catalysts or catalyst promoters, enabling key reactions such as hydro-isomerisation, which ensures fuel stability and performance at low operating temperatures. In emerging power-to-liquid routes, PGMs are also used in electrolysers to produce green hydrogen, which is subsequently combined with CO₂ to synthesise aviation fuels.
Although SAF currently represents less than 0.2% of global aviation fuel demand, it is projected to reach approximately 3–4% by 2030. In parallel, hydrogen propulsion technologies - particularly proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells - rely on PGMs to enable onboard electricity generation.
High-Temperature Materials and Turbine Protection
Aircraft engines operate under extreme thermal and mechanical stress. Turbine blades are manufactured from nickel-based single-crystal superalloys designed for high-temperature strength and creep resistance.
PGMs contribute to component durability through:
- Platinum-aluminide coatings, which protect turbine blades from oxidation and corrosion while supporting thermal barrier coatings.
- Platinum pinning wires, used during casting to stabilise ceramic cores that form internal cooling channels; these wires must withstand extreme temperatures and dissolve without compromising alloy integrity.
Cabin Air Quality and Environmental Control
PGM-based catalysts are used in aircraft environmental control systems to maintain cabin air quality. These systems:
- Decompose ozone present in high-altitude air.
- Remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) originating from operational residues such as fuel and lubricants.
This contributes to both passenger safety and comfort.
Engine Operation and Instrumentation
PGMs are critical in ensuring reliable engine ignition, monitoring and control:
- Ignition systems utilise platinum or iridium components to withstand repeated high-energy discharges in harsh environments.
- Temperature measurement relies on platinum-based resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) and platinum–rhodium thermocouples for accurate readings under extreme conditions.
- Oxygen sensors incorporating platinum catalysts enable precise control of the fuel-to-air ratio, supporting efficient combustion.
Aerospace Electronics and Connectivity
PGMs, particularly palladium, are used in aerospace electronics to enhance reliability and performance:
- Applied as coatings on connectors, contacts and radio-frequency components.
- Provide corrosion resistance, low electrical resistance and stable signal transmission under vibration, temperature variation and pressure changes.
- Improve wear resistance in high-cycle contact environments.
PGMs underpin critical aerospace technologies across fuel production, propulsion, materials engineering, environmental systems and electronics. Their catalytic, thermal and electrical properties make them essential to both current aviation systems and future low-emission technologies.