Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fine black powder of platinum: A finely divided, black-colored form of the precious metal platinum, characterized by its high surface area.
   • A catalyst in chemical reactions: This powder is primarily used to speed up chemical reactions due to its catalytic properties, without being consumed in the process.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The chemist used platinum black to catalyze the hydrogenation reaction.
  • Due to its high surface area, platinum black is an effective catalyst.

Advanced Usage

• As a catalytic agent: Platinum black is specifically valued in laboratories and industrial processes for its role as a heterogeneous catalyst, particularly in reactions involving gases.
  • Platinum black facilitated the oxidation of carbon monoxide at room temperature.

Variants and Related Words

• Platinum (n): The precious metallic element (Pt) from which platinum black is derived.
• Catalyst (n): A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change; this is the primary function of platinum black.

Synonyms

• Platinum catalyst: A general term for platinum used to accelerate chemical processes.
• Finely divided platinum: Describes the physical state of the platinum.

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to the powdered, high-surface-area form of platinum. It is not simply a color description but denotes a material with specific chemical utility. Its defining characteristic is its use as a catalyst.

Noun

1. a fine black powder of platinum; used as a catalyst in chemical reactions