Catalytic Control of Automotive Exhause Emission: Some Lower Cost Noble Metal Options

The first catalytic converters for the control of automotive exhaust emissions were commercialized fifteen years ago in 1974. Since then great progress has been made in improving emissions technology and expanding the options available to the engineer to solve complex emissions problems.

This paper traces some of those developments particularly focusing on lower noble metal cost options. Both oxidation and three-way control approaches will be examined. Emphasis will be directed towards the utilization of the relatively low cost noble metal palladium for both types of application.