One of the rarest metals on Earth, ruthenium is a powerful alloying agent, versatile catalyst, and improves corrosion resistance. Because it hardens platinum and palladium alloys, ruthenium is used in electrical contacts. Ruthenium compounds can be used in solar cells. This Element of Surprise segment features the following experts: Bob Crutchley, chemistry department chair, Carleton University, and Deryn Fogg, university research chair, Centre for Catalysis Research & Innovation (CCRI), University of Ottawa.

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