noble metals such as gold and platinum, takes its name from its rarity in the occurrence and does not rust easily when exposed to the atmosphere. Requires a highly corrosive mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid (also known as "aqua regia") to dissolve gold or platinum. In fact, the aqua regia (Latin for "royal water") is named for its ability to dissolve metals "noble". Because of its desirable properties, precious metals have found particular use in the manufacture of jewelry and chemical catalysts. Some examples of recent discoveries related to precious metals.

• researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a way to use corn starch instead of selective toxicity of cyanide to extract gold from raw materials and electronic waste. Apparently, alpha-cyclodextrin (a fragment of starch made six cyclic glucose units) that works best for the isolation of gold. [Url]

researchers at the University of Helsinki found that silver nanoparticles are more toxic than silver ions to aquatic ecosystems. Since silver nanoparticles have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which is used in many consumer products such as clothing, cosmetics, food storage containers and medical devices. However, he is concerned about the increasing amount of money to be washed into the environment. [Url]

Scientists at Hokkaido University have developed a platinum catalyst nanoparticles can maintain premature ripening of fruit during storage. Fruit ripening right ethylene gas, which accelerates the maturation of other fruits. platinum nanoparticles are able to effectively oxidize ethylene, even at zero degrees Celsius, which is the necessary temperature in cold storage. [URL]


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