Catalytic Converters

Catalytic Converters
 Catalytic converters are heterogeneous catalysts
 Function:
 Oxidizes CO and unburned hydrocarbons to
CO2 and H2O
 Reduction of NO to N2

 SMOG – CO and NO
Design of a Converter
 Must be able to function over a wide range of
temperatures
 Must continue to be active despite the additives in
gasoline
 Must be rugged in design
CO and NO Conversion
 Use metal oxides (CuO and Cr2O3) and noble
metals such as platinum
 These are supported in either a bead or honeycomb
structure made from alumina, Al2O3
 Adsorbs O2 gas from exhaust, weaken O2 bond
and allows them to react with CO to form CO2

Ceramic

Steel
Benefits
 Great heterogeneous catalysts
 Gases are only in contact with catalyst for 100 to
400 ms, but…
 96% of hydrocarbons and CO are converted to CO2
and H2O
 NO emission is cut to 76%
 Use expensive metals (more $$ than gold) platinum
and rhodium which have been stolen by thieves and
sold for $$!