Catalytic converters using self-regenerating activated carbon (ARC) and distilled

water

Lương Sở Kỳ (10 Anh 2)*, Đoàn Thị Tố Lam (10 Anh 2)*, Phạm Ngân Hà (10 Anh 2)*,
Tiết Phú Nhơn (10 Lý)*
*Trường Phổ thông Năng khiếu, ĐHQG-HCM

Abstract

The pressing need to minimize environmental pollution, particularly emissions

from vehicles, has led to the development of alternative catalytic converters that are
both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Traditional catalytic converters that
utilize expensive and non-recyclable metal catalysts are no longer deemed feasible
solutions. Costly and finite precious metals contribute to a hefty price tag, while their
extraction and processing burden the environment. [1] Furthermore, these catalysts
deactivate over time, demanding replacement, and often end up in landfills, a further
ecological stain. Thus, the use of self-regenerating activated carbon (ARC) and distilled
water as catalysts in catalytic converters has emerged as a promising alternative. This
paper aims to explore the viability of employing ARC and water to create a catalytic
converter, and to assess its efficiency and durability in removing pollutants from vehicle
emissions. In this study, ARC is obtained from renewable resources, including peat,
rice husk, and coal. The catalytic converter comprises ceramic monoliths with finely
ground ARC to increase the surface area for contact with pollutants. Distilled water is
used to cool the catalytic converter due to the large amount of heat emitted by the
exhaust fumes. The performance of this device will be examined by measuring the
amount of pollutants removed. Furthermore, ARC and water-based catalytic converters
have proven to be effective in removing pollutants such as CO, NOx, and VOCs [2],
unlike traditional converters. Additionally, the ARC can regenerate after becoming
saturated, extending the lifespan of ARC while optimizing its regeneration cost. In
conclusion, ARC and water-based catalytic converters are not only efficient in removing
most pollutants but also economical in terms of raw material expenses, making them a
sustainable environmental solution.

Keywords
catalyst, catalytic converters, ceramic monoliths, distilled water, self-regenerating
activated carbon, water-based

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 1. Background

Air pollution has emerged as a pressing global concern, particularly in

developing nations, like Vietnam. The situation in Vietnam is especially alarming, with
major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City consistently ranking among the most
polluted worldwide. According to IQAIR, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City occupy 9th and
19th positions in the global ranking of polluted cities. The severity of air pollution in
Vietnam is further illustrated by the fact that Hanoi's air quality index reached a
staggering 92.5µg/m³ on 05/01/2024, surpassing the WHO's annual air quality
guidelines for PM2.5 by a staggering 19 times.

(https://www.iqair.com/vietnam/hanoi)

This pervasive air pollution crisis in Vietnam has resulted in significant economic
losses, estimated at 10.8 billion dollars and 13.2 billion dollars annually, representing a
considerable 5% of the country's gross domestic product. [3] According to Vietnam's

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economic and urban newspapers [4], vehicular emissions are the primary culprit behind
this air pollution crisis, contributing 70% to the overall pollution burden. [4] Despite
government initiatives, such as promoting public bus usage, relocating infrastructure
away from city centers, and developing a subway system, these efforts have fallen
short of effectively addressing the issue. The entrenched motorcycle usage habits
among the Vietnamese population, being the major source of air pollution, pose a
significant challenge to overcome.

In light of these circumstances, a comprehensive approach to curbing exhaust

emissions from motorbikes is considered the most viable solution. Notably, this aspect
has received relatively limited attention from motorcycle manufacturers. Although these
devices play a vital role in reducing emissions, they are often hampered by high costs
and limited efficiency. The precious metals used in traditional catalytic converters [5]
contribute significantly to their expenses as previously mentioned, making them less
accessible to developing countries, such as Vietnam. Considering this gap, our project
aims to explore the feasibility of developing a cost-effective catalytic converter that
adheres to stringent environmental standards. The ingredient we focus on is self-
regenerating activated carbon (ARC). ARC is a type of activated carbon that can renew
itself after absorbing a certain amount of pollutants. This self-regeneration process is
typically dependent on the chemical properties of the carbon and does not require
external influences such as high temperatures.

The overarching goal of this project is to substantially reduce emissions from

vehicles and prevent economic losses stemming from environmental pollution.
Expanding the application of this filtration technology to a broader range of sectors,
including transportation, industry, and mechanical engineering, is a top priority. By
successfully developing and implementing this innovative catalytic converter, the
adverse effects of air pollution can be mitigated on Vietnam's environment and
economy, paving the way for a healthier and more sustainable future.

2. Objectives

The primary goal of this study is to create a new catalytic converter that employs
self-regenerating activated carbon (ARC) and distilled water. This innovative design
aims to surpass existing converters while meeting the needs of environmental
friendliness. However, current catalytic converters rely on precious metals, such as

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platinum, palladium, and rhodium to facilitate chemical reactions that reduce harmful
emissions. Moreover, their dependence on these limited resources and susceptibility to
environmental damage necessitates the exploration of alternative approaches. Here,
we propose a novel converter design utilizing self-regenerating activated carbon (ARC)
as a catalyst, addressing the limitations of traditional technologies and paving the way
for a more sustainable future of emission control. ARC can absorb oxygen from
emissions and utilize it to oxidize pollutants, while also being able to self-regenerate,
eliminating the need for catalyst replacement as seen in conventional converters. [6]
Additionally, water plays a crucial role in enhancing the converter's performance. [7] It
can cool the converter to increase its lifespan, and it can also be employed to generate
oxygen, as previously mentioned. As anticipated, the proposed catalytic converter,
incorporating self-regenerating activated carbon and water, will prove to be more
effective in reducing pollutants from vehicle emissions than existing converters. The
ARC will efficiently absorb oxygen and pollutants, eliminating the need for catalyst
replacement and reducing material costs.

3. Approach

This research project will employ a comprehensive approach to evaluate the

effectiveness of catalytic converters using self-regenerating activated carbon and
distilled water to reduce vehicle emissions. First, the project will encompass a thorough
investigation of existing knowledge and advancements in the field of catalytic

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converters, self-regenerating activated carbon, and distilled water applications. This will
involve delving into advancements in catalyst technology, exploring the potential of
ARC for pollutant capture, and examining the applications of distilled water in emission
reduction systems. This groundwork will identify research gaps, inform the direction of
our study, and establish a solid foundation for further exploration. Secondly, qualitative
research will complement the theoretical foundation by providing a nuanced
perspective on the design, construction, and operation of catalytic converters. Through
in-depth analysis of existing converter models, we will yield valuable insights into the
practical aspects of these catalytic converters. By fusing these two approaches, we aim
to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the potential and limitations of ARC. This
knowledge can inform the development of further research questions and guide the
exploration of potential improvements and applications. The findings of this research
project are anticipated to provide valuable contributions to the field of air pollution
mitigation. Detailed insights into the effectiveness of catalytic converters using self-
regenerating activated carbon and distilled water could pave the way for the
development of new and improved catalytic converters that are more effective,
environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient. These advancements could significantly
reduce pollutant emissions from vehicles, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier
environment.

4. Significance

The development of new catalytic converters that are more efficient, cost-
effective, and durable is of paramount importance and warrants attention as they have
the potential to mitigate the global crisis of air pollution. According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), air pollution is a leading cause of mortality, accounting for
approximately 7 million premature deaths each year worldwide [8]. While current
catalytic converters have proven effective in curbing harmful emissions, they still have
limitations. If the research idea proves successful, it could benefit a range of
stakeholders, including reducing global air pollution, improving human health and the
environment, assisting automotive manufacturers in producing cleaner vehicles that
meet increasingly stringent emission standards, and helping consumers save money on
vehicle maintenance costs. Moreover, this research could contribute to the
development of new theories and the expansion of chemical catalysis as well as the
social value by helping solve the social problem of air pollution and improve human

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health and the environment. Finally, the potential for the future development of this
research is immense. It could be extended to develop catalytic converters for other
applications such as power plants, aircraft, and other vehicles. By utilizing new
materials to enhance efficiency and durability, catalytic converters can be invaluable
tools.

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