Products - Americas
Catalysts for Gasoline (Light Duty Vehicle) Engines
Since 2005, 100% of new cars sold in the United States and over 90% of all new cars sold worldwide have been equipped with a catalytic converter as the principal means of meeting emissions standards (Manufacturers of Emissions Controls Association, Clean Air Facts, The Catalytic Converter: Technology for Clean Air). The regulations controlling auto emissions in countries throughout the world have become increasingly restrictive and will continue to tighten in the future.
What is a Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter is a device used to convert toxic exhaust emissions from an internal combustion engine into non-toxic substances. Inside a catalytic converter, a catalyst stimulates a chemical reaction in which noxious by-products of combustion are converted to less toxic substances by dint of catalyzed chemical reactions.
The specific reactions vary with the type of catalyst installed. Most present-day vehicles that run on gasoline are fitted with a "three way" converter, so named because it converts the three main pollutants in automobile exhaust: an oxidizing reaction converts carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC), and a reduction reaction converts oxides of nitrogen (NOx) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), and water (H2O).
The first, widespread introduction of catalytic converters was in the U.S., where 1975 model year automobiles were so equipped to comply with tightening U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations on automobile exhaust emissions. The catalytic converters fitted were two-way models, combining CO and unburned HC to produce CO2 and H2O.
Two-way catalytic converters of this type are now considered obsolete except on lean burn engines. Since most vehicles at the time used carburetors that provided a relatively rich air-fuel ratio, oxygen (O2) levels in the exhaust stream were, in general, insufficient for the catalytic reaction to occur. Therefore, most engines like this were also equipped with secondary, air injection systems to induct air into the exhaust stream to allow the catalyst to function.
Catalytic converters are still most commonly used on automobile exhaust systems, but are also used on generator sets, forklifts, mining equipment, trucks, buses, locomotives, airplanes, and other, engine-fitted devices. This is usually in response to government regulation, either through direct environmental regulation or through health and safety regulations.
Significantly improve catalytic performance — cost-effectively.
Our technology for light duty vehicles significantly improves catalytic performance, is highly durable and cost effective. We have developed unique, nanostructures that are extremely thermally stable and resistant to sintering.
With our catalytic converter technology, you can:
Plus, our solution is based on industry-leading, patent-protected technology and a scalable manufacturing business model.
For more information about our catalyst technologies, click here.