Palladium is the less familiar cousin of the precious metal platinum. The white metal is currently used throughout the world in the production of catalytic converters for cars and other vehicles to help reduce toxic emissions. The largest consumers of palladium are the U.S. and Asia. However, palladium is also the key element used in the elusive cold-fusion reaction—a mysterious energy source that science is getting closer to understanding as technology progresses.
Cold fusion is an amazing and highly misunderstood reaction that takes place when palladium is submerged in hard water—containing higher than average quantities of the hydrogen isotope deuterium—and exposed to an electrical current in a process called electrolysis. The electrical current causes the deuterium isotopes (deuterons) to rush into the palladium’s molecular structure, fusing the deuterons together to create helium-4 and releasing excess heat energy. Essentially, cold fusion experiments have shown a greater output in energy than is input into the experiment.
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Since the 1980s, when the first successful cold fusion announcement was made by scientists Martin Fleischmann and Stanley Pons, attempts to replicate the experiment have proven both successful and unsuccessful—leaving researchers perplexed as to the nature of what was actually happening in the cold fusion reaction. Nonetheless, numerous energy companies and research facilities have been pursuing cold fusion, replicating the experiment with success at times and inching ever closer to unlocking its secrets: secrets that may finally lead to a safe and applicable form of nuclear fusion.
As cold fusion makes its way from myth to reality, one thing is certain: palladium is a necessary component in the reaction and will likely become one of the most sought after commodities if/when cold fusion power plants come online. In comparison to gold, silver and platinum, palladium price rose 103 percent in 2010 to $797 per ounce. Gold rose only 29 percent; silver rose 80 percent; and platinum rose 20 percent. Palladium is expected to reach as high as $1000 per ounce in 2011, and is a prime investment opportunity.
“Palladium is my top pick among precious metals this year,” said Patricia Mohr, a commodity markets specialist at Bank of Nova Scotia.
While the main driver of palladium prices has been increased car sales, particularly in China, it is only a matter of time before distributed cold fusion facilities begin to affect the palladium market, at which time prices are likely to skyrocket. Either way, it’s looking like palladium is a top investment for 2011.
Cold fusion is an amazing and highly misunderstood reaction that takes place when palladium is submerged in hard water—containing higher than average quantities of the hydrogen isotope deuterium—and exposed to an electrical current in a process called electrolysis. The electrical current causes the deuterium isotopes (deuterons) to rush into the palladium’s molecular structure, fusing the deuterons together to create helium-4 and releasing excess heat energy. Essentially, cold fusion experiments have shown a greater output in energy than is input into the experiment.
SEE OTHER TOP STORIES IN THE WDM CONTENT NETWORK
Nuclear Power: A Clean Energy Source?
Vanadium: The Element that could Change the World
The World’s Leaders: Gold Mining CEOs
Check out this month’s issue of Energy Digital!
Since the 1980s, when the first successful cold fusion announcement was made by scientists Martin Fleischmann and Stanley Pons, attempts to replicate the experiment have proven both successful and unsuccessful—leaving researchers perplexed as to the nature of what was actually happening in the cold fusion reaction. Nonetheless, numerous energy companies and research facilities have been pursuing cold fusion, replicating the experiment with success at times and inching ever closer to unlocking its secrets: secrets that may finally lead to a safe and applicable form of nuclear fusion.
As cold fusion makes its way from myth to reality, one thing is certain: palladium is a necessary component in the reaction and will likely become one of the most sought after commodities if/when cold fusion power plants come online. In comparison to gold, silver and platinum, palladium price rose 103 percent in 2010 to $797 per ounce. Gold rose only 29 percent; silver rose 80 percent; and platinum rose 20 percent. Palladium is expected to reach as high as $1000 per ounce in 2011, and is a prime investment opportunity.
“Palladium is my top pick among precious metals this year,” said Patricia Mohr, a commodity markets specialist at Bank of Nova Scotia.
While the main driver of palladium prices has been increased car sales, particularly in China, it is only a matter of time before distributed cold fusion facilities begin to affect the palladium market, at which time prices are likely to skyrocket. Either way, it’s looking like palladium is a top investment for 2011.
