Key Points
• Researchers use platinum to extend lithium-sulphur battery life.
• Industry partners test new PGM-enhanced battery designs.
• Waterberg project advances to supply future platinum demand.
Platinum already anchors hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. Those same catalysts powered the Toyota Mirai cars that moved B20 and G20 delegates around Johannesburg last week. South Africa holds the world’s largest reserves of the metal. Now researchers are finding new ways to use it far beyond fuel cells.
A team at Florida International University has shown that platinum group metals can strengthen lithium-sulphur batteries. The findings open a pathway for battery electric vehicles to use platinum in their next wave of development.
Lithium-sulphur cells are lighter and store more energy than today’s lithium-ion designs. The addition of platinum nanoparticles appears to extend battery life and improve stability.
Push From Industry and Researchers
Platinum Group Metals Limited repeated this message in its latest annual results. The company continues to fund new battery research through Lion Battery Technologies. Its work focuses on how platinum can improve energy density, cycle life and storage efficiency.
Lion is partnering with Valterra Platinum and Florida International University to advance the technology. Valterra recently supplied the FCEV fleet that transported summit delegates. The company is now helping drive platinum’s move into the wider battery space.
Tests show that platinum nanoparticles on the sulphur side of a battery can reduce degradation. The particles work at a molecular level, which could make lithium-sulphur batteries more viable for EV makers and renewable-energy storage.
Demand Rising Across Sectors
The potential use of platinum in electric cars comes as demand widens across multiple sectors. Beyond automotive and hydrogen, PGMs now support fibreglass production, semiconductor manufacturing, medical tools and even food preservation.
Researchers believe this is only the start. New technologies that rely on catalysts are emerging in energy generation and storage.
Platinum Group Metals Limited noted that its partnership with Lion aims to build a vertical supply chain that introduces new PGM-based products to market.
Waterberg Project Moves Forward
The company also continues work on the Waterberg project in Limpopo. The planned mine will produce palladium, platinum, gold and rhodium. It is being designed as a shallow, mechanised operation that can support long-term PGM supply.
Talks on smelting and refining options are underway with South African producers. If those discussions stall, the company may develop facilities in Saudi Arabia or locally. Any export of concentrate or matte would need government approval.
The board has approved a new phase of work to carry the project through August next year. A wider pre-construction programme is in progress.
The company’s latest financials show a net loss for the period but include gains from foreign exchange movements and detailed cost breakdowns.
Commercialisation Steps
Lion has brought in the Battery Innovation Center in Indiana to run small and large-scale trials. These tests will help prove the performance of platinum-enhanced electrodes.
Early results suggest PGMs can deliver more kilowatt hours per kilogram and help solve chronic battery-life issues.
The combination of fuel-cell demand and new battery applications points to a wider commercial future for platinum. Industry analysts expect fresh opportunities as EV makers explore alternatives to today’s lithium-ion systems.
