7XXX series aluminum alloys (Al 7XXX alloys) are widely used in bearing components, such as aircraft frame, spars and stringers, for their high specific strength, high specific stiffness, high toughness, excellent processing, and welding performance. Therefore, Al 7XXX alloys are the most important structural materials in aviation. In this present review, the development tendency and the main applications of Al 7XXX alloys for aircraft structures are introduced, and the existing problems are simply discussed. Also, the heat treatment processes for improving the properties are compared and analyzed. It is the most important measures that optimizing alloy composition and improving heat treatment process are to enhance the comprehensive properties of Al 7XXX alloys. Among the method, solid solution, quenching, and aging of Al 7XXX alloys are the most significant. We introduce the effects of the three methods on the properties, and forecast the development direction of the properties, compositions, and heat treatments and the solution to the corrosion prediction problem for the next generation of Al 7XXX alloys for aircraft structures. The next generation of Al 7XXX alloys should be higher strength, higher toughness, higher damage tolerance, higher hardenability, and better corrosion resistance. It is urgent requirements to develop or invent new heat treatment regime. We should construct a novel corrosion prediction model for Al 7XXX alloys via confirming the surface corrosion environments and selecting the accurate and reliable electrochemical measurements.

Reclamation of spent catalysts for the efficient recovery of palladium (Pd) is gaining growing attention due to its scarcity and high supply risk. Currently Pd extraction from spent catalysts through an efficient, economical, and green method has remained a challenge. In this study, Fe³⁺ is utilized for leaching through oxidation of Pd in a mild condition. Before leaching, distillation was proposed to remove and recover the organics from spent catalysts. The effects of HCl concentration, Fe³⁺ concentration, NaCl concentration, leaching time, and temperature on the leaching efficiency of Pd were investigated to determine the optimum leaching conditions. The results show that Pd extraction and dissolution of Al₂O₃ increase with higher HCl concentration. The effect of NaCl on Pd leaching efficiency is significant at low acid concentration (2.0 mol/L HCl). The leaching efficiency was 99.5% for Pd under the following conditions: 2.0 mol/L HCl, 4.0 mol/L NaCl, and 0.67 mol/L Fe³⁺ at 80 °C for 90 min. The leaching kinetics fits best to the shrinking-core model of surface chemical reaction. The activation energy for the leaching of Pd was 47.6 kJ/mol. PdCl₄²⁻ was selectively adsorbed by anion exchange resin. The filtrate containing adequate H⁺, Cl^-, and Fe³⁺ was reused as leaching agent. Pd leaching efficiency was over 96% after five cycle times. This study provides an efficient process for recovery of Pd from spent catalysts.