Platinum black commonly acts as a catalyst in chemical reactions, as a catalytic converter in automobiles and in the petroleum industry as a catalyst. It also vigorously catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. It is used extensively as laboratory equipment, electrical contacts,electrodes, platinum resistance thermometers, dentistry equipment, and jewellery. Compounds containing platinum (cisplatin, oxaliplatin and carboplatin) are applied in chemotherapy against certain types of cancer and also applied as a pollution control catalysts for gasoline and diesel vehicles and in control of emissions of organics and nitrous oxides from industrial installations.

This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.