Industry organisation the World Platinum Investment Council has highlighted the importance of platinum‑based equipment for producing large, flawless crystals for electronics and optics applications.

In materials science, crystal growth is the process of arranging atoms or molecules into highly-ordered solid structures, the council explains.

For example, the Czochralski and Kyropoulos methods are used to produce crystals for a range of end-uses. The crystal structures produced give materials predictable electrical, optical and mechanical properties, making these a key component of many technologies, it adds.

The council highlights that industrially-grown crystals are found in smartphones, computers, LED lighting, medical imaging equipment and advanced sensors.

Using the Czochralski method, silicon crystals form the wafers used in semiconductors. Here, a tiny seed crystal is introduced into a molten feedstock and slowly pulled upwards, the council avers.

Meanwhile, with the Kyropoulos method, sapphire crystals are grown for scratch‑resistant screens and optical windows.

The seed crystal grows downwards as the melt temperature is slowly reduced.

Both methods involved heating raw materials to exceptionally high temperatures. The molten materials can be highly corrosive and reactive, requiring specialist instrument, the council points out.

With its high melting point of 1 768 °C, platinum is non‑reactive and stable, retaining its strength at extreme temperatures.

The council acclaims that these properties make it suitable for the crucibles used to hold and shape molten materials during crystal growth.

Importantly, platinum does not contaminate the growing crystal, helping achieve the ultrahigh purity the end applications demand, it adds.

The council outlines the entrenched link between platinum and crystal growth, with platinum crucibles becoming essential laboratory and production tools.

Crucibles are not the only platinum products used in crystal growing, the council notes.

“Often the hydraulic stylus that manipulates the seed crystal is comprised of platinum, as are the protective baffles used to limit the outward radiation of heat. These components are engineered from semi-finished platinum components like wires, ribbons and sheets.

“Today, other platinum group metals, including iridium and rhodium, can be alloyed with platinum to further enhance strength and lifetime under extreme temperatures,” it says.