Development of Scavenger-Free Three-Way Automotive Emission Control Catalysts with Reduced Hydrogen Sulfide Formation

Fundamental research work was undertaken to elucidate the mechanism of hydrogen sulfide formation on three-way automotive exhaust catalysts during the lean to rich engine operation sequence and to identify the role of the different catalyst components in this phenomenon.

Based upon this knowledge, new catalysts were developed with reduced ability to form hydrogen sulfide by minimizing the storage of sulfur oxides. Engine dynamometer tests confirmed that the suppression of the hydrogen sulfide formation was obtained without loss of catalyst activity or aging stability. The role of the catalyst's age in the hydrogen sulfide formation is discussed.

The development presented shows that it is possible to avoid “scavengers” to minimize the emission of hydrogen sulfide from three-way emission control catalysts.