Question

Which of the following can absorb large volume of hydrogen gas? (1) Fincly divided platinum (2) Fincly divided nickel (3) Colloidal solution of palladium (4) Colloidal magnesium hydroxide

Short answer

Colloidal solution of palladium

Step-by-step solution

Understand the properties of the substances

First, identify which substances are given in the options and understand their ability to absorb hydrogen gas. Platinum, nickel, palladium, and magnesium hydroxide each have different properties related to hydrogen absorption.

Compare the absorption abilities

Examine which of these substances is known for absorbing a large volume of hydrogen gas. Palladium is renowned for its significant hydrogen absorption capacity as it can adsorb hydrogen gas up to 900 times its own volume.

Eliminate other options

Although finely divided platinum and nickel can absorb hydrogen, they do not match the high absorption capacity of palladium. Colloidal magnesium hydroxide is not known for notable hydrogen absorption.

Select the correct answer

Based on the analysis, the colloidal solution of palladium is the substance that can absorb a large volume of hydrogen gas.

Key concepts

Hydrogen absorption

Hydrogen absorption refers to the process wherein hydrogen atoms penetrate into the lattice structure of another material. This process is essential in various chemical and industrial applications because it often leads to changes in the material's properties, such as increased ductility or altered electrical conductivity.
Factors influencing hydrogen absorption include:

• Temperature: Higher temperatures generally increase absorption rates.
• Pressure: Greater hydrogen pressure boosts absorption.
• Surface area: More surface area facilitates better absorption.

Palladium, finely divided metals, and colloidal solutions are prime examples showing unique characteristics when it comes to absorbing hydrogen.

Palladium

Palladium is a transition metal known for its exceptional hydrogen absorption properties. This metal can adsorb up to 900 times its own volume in hydrogen gas. The phenomenon occurs because hydrogen molecules dissociate into atoms that diffuse into the metal's lattice structure.
Key features of palladium absorption include:

• High absorption capacity: Far superior compared to other metals.
• Reversible process: The absorbed hydrogen can be released without significant degradation of the metal.
• Applications: Used in hydrogen storage systems, catalytic converters, and purification processes.

Therefore, understanding palladium's role in hydrogen absorption is crucial for its various practical applications.

Finely divided metals

Finely divided metals, such as platinum and nickel, possess a large surface area relative to their volume. This characteristic enhances their ability to absorb gases, including hydrogen. When these metals are in a finely divided state, they exhibit several benefits:

• Increased reactivity: Higher surface area leads to more reactive sites.
• Efficient absorption: Better interaction with hydrogen molecules.
• Catalytic properties: Commonly used as catalysts in chemical reactions.

However, despite these advantages, they still do not match the hydrogen absorption capacity of palladium.

Colloidal solutions

Colloidal solutions are systems where fine particles are dispersed within a continuous medium, often a liquid. In the context of metals like palladium, forming a colloidal solution can significantly enhance their hydrogen absorption capabilities.
Some characteristics of colloidal solutions include:

• Stability: Particles remain uniformly distributed without settling.
• Enhanced surface area: Provides a greater area for hydrogen interaction.
• Applications: Used in catalysis and improving hydrogen storage methods.

Thus, colloidal solutions of palladium demonstrate notable efficiency in hydrogen absorption due to these unique features.