How do I get the platinum out of a catalytic converter?

Question

Someone told me I had to smelt it.

Answer 1

Unless you have a lot of converters it is hardly worth it. Platinum is highly resistant to chemicals so dissolving it is out. It can be done with Hydrocyanic acid. ( I think that's it )
To melt it you need to get it over 3000 deg.F. That is why it is used in high temp. devices. I suppose you could remove the beads from the converter and crush them. Then heat to 3500 deg. The Platinum should melt and seperate. Either way it will cost more than the few dollars you will get for the platinum. It will be a very small amount.