Applications of Gold in Automotive Engineering

By Ibtisam AbbasiReviewed by Lexie CornerNov 8 2024

Precious metals play a crucial role in advancing sustainability and fuel efficiency within the automotive industry.¹ Among these, gold is commonly used in automobile electronic components and wiring due to its excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance, making it well-suited for humid conditions. This article outlines the importance and diverse applications of gold in the modern automotive sector.

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The Role of Gold in Vehicle Electrical Connections

The development of electronic components and electrical connections accounts for about 30 % of a car's total manufacturing cost.² Gold's excellent electrical conductivity makes it a valuable material for these connections, particularly in automotive circuit boards.

Gold is commonly used in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of vehicles, serving as a primary material for microprocessor development and circuit board fabrication to ensure reliable operation.³

Companies like Volkswagen and Audi have utilized gold in the ECUs of select models, enhancing features like anti-theft technology. A prime example is BMW, which incorporates gold in its audio amplification systems, high-voltage (HV) charging electronics for electric vehicles, and air conditioning circuit boards.⁴

Applications of Gold in Automotive Sensor Technology

Gold is used to develop automotive sensors, which support efficient engine operation and enhance the performance of key subsystems, such as fuel management, automatic braking, and thermal management systems.

Gold is a primary material in sensors that control the fuel pump system, modulating the quantity of fuel delivered to the spark plug to ignite the air-gasoline mixture. Gold is also crucial in emission-control unit sensors, helping regulate emissions in line with modern automotive and environmental standards.

The high conductivity of gold makes it well-suited for modern emission control sensors, effectively minimizing the emission of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HCs).⁵ Gold-based temperature sensors also help regulate the vehicle’s interior temperature, enhancing passenger comfort.

Additionally, these sensors are located in the engine temperature control unit and exhaust pipeline to monitor exhaust gas temperatures, ensuring optimal engine performance.

Modern airbag sensors feature a gold-plated steel ball held in place by magnets. Upon collision, the ball dislodges from the magnets, making contact with gold-plated points that complete the circuit, allowing electric current to flow. This immediate response ensures the prompt deployment of airbags, enhancing passenger safety.⁶ Leading manufacturers, including Honda and Chevy, incorporate gold-based safety sensors in their vehicles to prioritize passenger protection.

Gold as a Catalyst in Emission Reduction Systems

Automobiles combust gasoline, releasing harmful nitrogenous gases and unburnt HCs. To align with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on reducing harmful emissions, catalytic converters are essential. Gold-based catalysts have proven effective in converting toxic carbon monoxide into CO₂, and gold alloys further enhance emission control efficiency. As a result, numerous automobile manufacturers globally have integrated gold-based solutions to meet environmental standards.⁷

Nanostellar Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer, has produced gold-based systems for cleaning diesel emissions. Notably, their NS Gold catalyst converter has been widely used in diesel vehicles. However, while gold alone is effective, combining it with other precious metals like palladium and platinum has become the preferred approach for catalytic converters. This blend enhances thermal stability and addresses the limitations of traditional converters, making it a more robust solution for emission control.⁸

Aesthetic and Protective Applications of Gold in Automobiles

Gold is electroplated onto automobile surfaces to achieve a smooth finish that enhances aesthetic appeal. Beyond appearance, this gold layer provides protection against corrosion, which can otherwise severely damage a car's paint and body.

Corrosion affects exterior surfaces and can interfere with the functionality of critical systems, such as braking, fuel, and electronics, which is why gold is incorporated into these essential components.⁹

Metallic gold colors are popular in automotive aesthetics, valued for their sparkle and the refined look they bring to a car's surface. Custom gold paints are especially favored by enthusiasts, with companies like UreChem creating "candy" gold paints that offer a high-gloss finish, setting them apart from standard automotive paints.¹⁰

Recently, Rolls-Royce manufactured the Phantom Goldfinger, a unique model paying homage to the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger. This special edition incorporates 18-carat gold beneath a silver exterior, adding a gleam that enhances its distinct, luxurious appeal.

The car's interior is also accented with gold details. A hidden central vault houses a solid 18-carat gold bar, designed to mirror the Phantom’s speedform. Gold accents are incorporated into the surface finishes of the front and rear center consoles and extend into the interior of the glovebox.²⁰

Gold remains a defining element in luxury automobiles, underscoring its significant role in the automotive industry.

Future Alternatives to Gold in Automotive Manufacturing

Although gold has traditionally been a staple in car manufacturing, many automakers are now turning to more affordable alternatives. The limited supply of precious metals, combined with recent global supply chain challenges, has limited the availability of gold. Looking ahead, other metals are likely to replace gold in mainstream automotive systems, with gold reserved primarily for limited and exclusive high-end models.

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References and Further Reading

1. Tanaka Precious Metals. (2021). Precious Metals: Powering a Sustainable Future for the Auto Industry. [Online] Tanaka Precious Metals. Available at: https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/elements/article32/ (Accessed on: November 01, 2024)
2. Cozza, G., et al. (2023). Circular manufacturing ecosystems: Automotive printed circuit boards recycling as an enabler of the economic development. Production & Manufacturing Research. https://doi.org/10.1080/21693277.2023.2182837
3. U.S. Gold Bureau. (2024). Precious Metals In Cars. [Online] U.S. Gold Bureau. Available at: https://www.usgoldbureau.com/news/post/precious-metals-in-cars-everything-you-need-to-know?srsltid=AfmBOoqceN5CZh7MQy9kCcBNps5g3nV-wdxIFJ1vBQd-Nb-x1yTFIpAU (Accessed on: November 01, 2024)
4. BMW Group. (2024). Sustainability & Responsibility, Tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold – 3TG. [Online] BMW Group. Available at: https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/sustainability/environmental-and-social-standards/rohstoffe-teaser/zinn.html (Accessed on: November 01, 2024)
5. Tanaka precious Metals. (2024). Precious Metals Support the Future of Automobiles. [Online] Tanaka precious Metals. Available at: https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/solution/main-product/automobiles/ (Accessed on: November 02, 2024)
6. AK Metal Mines. (2023). Silver: Powering Vehicle Safety. [Online] AK Metal Mines. Available at: https://www.akmetalmines.com/stories/silver-powering-vehicle-safety (Accessed on: November 02, 2024)
7. Zhou, X., et al. (2010). Size-dependent catalytic activity and dynamics of gold nanoparticles at the single-molecule level. Journal of the American Chemical Society. https://doi.org/10.1021/ja904307n
8. Zhang, Y., et al. (2011). Gold, an alternative to platinum group metals in automobile catalytic converters. Gold Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13404-011-0025-6
9. GoldPlating. (2023). Why Electroplate Automobiles? [Online] GoldPlating. Available at: https://www.goldplating.com/blogs/news/why-electroplate-automobiles (Accessed on: November 02, 2024)
10. UreChem (2023). Gold Car Paint Color Options. [Online] UreChem. Available at: https://www.urechem-paints.com/gold-automotive-paint-colors/ (Accessed on: November 02, 2024)
11. Rolls-Royce. (2024). Phantom GoldFinger. [Online] Rolls-Royce. Available at: https://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/en_US/bespoke/collection-cars/phantom-goldfinger.html (Accessed on: November 03, 2024)

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