The Development of a Close Coupled Plus Underfloor Catalyst for a ULEV Application

A close coupled plus underfloor catalyst system was developed for achieving the ULEV performance targets. Catalyst technologies of various precious metal combinations, as well as substrates of different cell densities and wall thicknesses were investigated. Catalyst systems with relatively high precious metal loadings were required to achieved the ULEV targets after simulated engine aging. High Pd-based three way catalysts (TWC), including trimetal and Pd/Pt catalysts together with substrates of low thermal mass, were demonstrated as the appropriate selections for the close coupled position. Pt/Rh and trimetal catalysts combined with substrates of high cell density, were shown to be the promising candidates for the underfloor position.