CHE – 111 – Intro to Chemical Engineering

Torres

The Role of Gold in Chemical Engineering Processes

Jyshyr Torres1
1
Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology

Abstract. Gold, traditionally known for its inertness and resistance to corrosion, has found unexpected applications in
chemical engineering. Its unique properties, including remarkable catalytic activity when dispersed as nanoparticles,
excellent electrical conductivity, and high malleability, make it a valuable material for specific equipment and reaction
pathways. This research delves into the properties of gold relevant to chemical engineering, highlighting its applications in
catalysis, equipment selection, and reaction pathways. Specific examples of equipment that utilize gold include corrosion-
resistant pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and high-temperature furnaces. Gold's catalytic activity is particularly
pronounced in oxidation reactions, such as alcohol oxidation and CO oxidation, making it a key player in green chemistry
approaches. The research concludes by discussing the growing importance of gold in chemical engineering, emphasizing
its potential to drive innovation and sustainability in the field.
Keywords: Gold, chemical engineering, catalysis, corrosion resistance, nanoparticles, oxidation reactions, green
chemistry, equipment selection, high-temperature applications, electrical conductivity, malleability
environmentally responsible future for the industry.
Introduction Finally, we will consider future research directions and

Gold, a lustrous and malleable metal prized throughout

history for its aesthetic appeal and inherent value, has the potential for further innovation in the application of
transcended its traditional roles in ornamentation and this precious metal within the chemical engineering
finance to find significant and increasingly important field.
applications in the field of chemical engineering. While
the high cost of gold might initially seem to preclude its
widespread use, its unique physicochemical properties
offer compelling advantages in specific applications,
outweighing the financial considerations in certain
crucial scenarios. Its remarkable resistance to corrosion,
coupled with its surprising catalytic activity under
specific conditions, makes it a valuable material for
specialized equipment and reaction pathways. This
research delves into the multifaceted role of gold in
chemical engineering, examining its key properties and
exploring its diverse applications in equipment selection,
catalyst design, and the optimization of reaction
pathways. We will analyze the specific types of
equipment where gold’s unique characteristics are
leveraged, highlighting the trade-offs between cost and Figure 1. Gold
performance that often dictate its use. The exploration
will also consider the broader implications of gold’s Properties of Gold Relevant to Chemical Engineering
utilization within the context of sustainable and
environmentally conscious chemical engineering  High Chemical Inertness: Gold is highly
practices, examining its role in green chemistry resistant to oxidation and corrosion, making it
initiatives and its potential contribution to a more suitable for applications where harsh
 environments or corrosive chemicals are present.  Corrosion – Resistant Equipment:
This property is particularly useful in equipment Gold's resistance to corrosion makes it
construction and handling of aggressive ideal for constructing equipment that
chemicals. handles highly corrosive chemicals. For
example, gold-plated components are
 Catalytic Activity: Despite its inert nature, gold used in pumps, valves, and other
exhibits remarkable catalytic activity when equipment handling strong acids or
finely dispersed as nanoparticles. This activity is bases.
often enhanced in the presence of specific
supports or under specific reaction conditions.  High – Temperature Applications:
Gold nanoparticles are particularly effective in Gold's high melting point makes it
oxidation reactions, such as alcohol oxidation suitable for high-temperature
and CO oxidation. applications in chemical engineering,
such as in furnaces or reactors operating
 High Electrical Conductivity: Gold's excellent at elevated temperatures.
electrical conductivity makes it valuable for
electrical contacts and components in various  Electronic Components: Gold's
chemical engineering applications, especially excellent electrical conductivity and
those involving sensitive electronic resistance to corrosion make it a
instrumentation or control systems. preferred material for electrical contacts
and components in chemical engineering
equipment, especially those involving
 Malleability and Ductility: Gold's high sensitive electronic instrumentation or
malleability and ductility allow it to be easily control systems.
shaped and formed into various intricate designs,
making it suitable for delicate equipment parts 3. Reaction Pathways:
or components requiring precise dimensions.  Green Chemistry: Gold catalysts,
particularly in oxidation reactions, are
Applications of Gold in Chemical Engineering often used in green chemistry
approaches to minimize waste and
1. Catalysis: environmental impact. These catalysts
 Oxidation Reactions: Gold can operate under milder conditions and
nanoparticles, often supported on metal use less energy than traditional methods.
oxides like TiO2, are highly effective
catalysts for oxidizing alcohols to  Selective Reactions: Gold catalysts can
aldehydes or ketones, which are be highly selective, meaning they can
important intermediates in the promote the formation of a specific
production of various chemicals. This product while minimizing the formation
process is environmentally friendly, of unwanted byproducts. This selectivity
using water as a solvent and oxygen is crucial for efficient and cost-effective
from air as the oxidant. chemical processes.
 Hydrogenation Reactions: Gold Specific Types of Equipment Utilizing Gold
catalysts can also be used for
hydrogenation reactions, which involve  Pumps: Gold-plated components are used in
adding hydrogen to a molecule. pumps that handle highly corrosive chemicals,
However, gold's activity in such as strong acids or bases. The gold plating
hydrogenation is generally lower than protects the pump's internal components from
other metals like platinum or palladium. corrosion, ensuring its longevity and reliable
Recent research has shown that operation.
incorporating interstitial carbon atoms
into the gold lattice can significantly  Valves: Similar to pumps, valves that handle
enhance its hydrogenation activity. corrosive chemicals often incorporate gold-
plated components. This prevents corrosion and
2. Equipment Selection: ensures the valve's ability to control the flow of
corrosive fluids.
 The malleability and ductility of gold also allow for the
 Heat Exchangers: Gold-plated heat exchangers creation of intricate and precisely engineered
can be used in processes involving corrosive components for sensitive instruments and applications.
fluids, preventing corrosion and ensuring While the economic considerations associated with
efficient heat transfer. gold's use necessitate careful evaluation of its cost-
effectiveness, its unique properties often justify its
 Furnaces: Gold's high melting point makes it application in specialized scenarios where performance
suitable for use in high-temperature furnaces, and longevity outweigh financial constraints. Future
where other metals might melt or degrade. Gold research focusing on the development of more efficient
components can be used in furnace linings or as and cost-effective methods for synthesizing and utilizing
heating elements. gold-based catalysts, along with exploring novel
applications of its unique properties, promises to further
expand the role of this precious metal in shaping the
 Reactors: Gold-plated components can be used future of chemical engineering. The continued
in reactors operating at elevated temperatures, exploration of gold's potential in this field will
especially those handling corrosive or reactive undoubtedly lead to advancements in both process
materials. optimization and environmentally responsible chemical
production.
 Sensors: Gold's excellent electrical conductivity
References
and resistance to corrosion make it ideal for use
in electronic sensors, particularly those
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employed in harsh environments or in contact
Properties and Information.
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https://chemicalengineeringworld.com/
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 Electrical Contacts: Gold-plated electrical
contacts are used in chemical engineering ScienceDaily. (2010, October 23). Chemical engineers
equipment, ensuring reliable electrical use gold to discover breakthrough for creating
connections and preventing corrosion. biorenewable chemicals.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/
2010/10/101020101700.htm
 Piping: Gold-plated piping can be used in
specific applications involving highly corrosive Sun, Y., Cao, Y., Wang, L., Mu, X., Zhao, Q., Si, R., …
fluids, ensuring the integrity of the piping & Wan, Y. (2020). Gold catalysts containing interstitial
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 Analytical Instruments: Gold-plated
components can be found in analytical Zope, B. N., Hibbitts, D. D., Neurock, M., & Davis, R. J.
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chromatographs, where its inertness and selective oxidation catalysis. Science, 330(6000), 74.
conductivity are beneficial. doi:10.1126/science.1195055

Conclusion

The integration of gold into chemical engineering

processes, while seemingly niche due to its high cost,
represents a significant advancement in the field's pursuit
of efficiency, sustainability, and precision. Gold's
remarkable resistance to corrosion makes it
indispensable in handling highly reactive or corrosive
chemicals, extending the lifespan and reliability of
crucial equipment. Furthermore, its catalytic prowess,
particularly in selective oxidation reactions, offers a
pathway towards greener chemical synthesis,
minimizing waste and reducing environmental impact.