Metal Supported Automotive Catalysts for Use in Europe

Metal substrates have been available as catalyst supports for the past 10 years but their use has been limited to a few specialised applications, for example as light-off or starter catalysts for large cars.

The emergence of Europe as an autocatalyst market with differing requirements has prompted a reassessment of the potential for metal supported catalysts.

This paper will review much of the work conducted; in particular washcoat adhesion, hot-shake and high speed durability as well as reporting the results of a volume/cell density parametric study, comparing metal supported catalysts with ceramic supported catalysts on vehicles.