Towards nanotechnology-based catalytic converters for the automotive industry

An EU initiative has introduced novel nanoscale technology that will slash the costs of cleaning up automobile emissions and enable the secure flow of critical raw materials.

Catalytic converters are now key components of most automotive exhaust systems contributing to major reductions in emissions. Three-way catalysts are state of the art. Most commonly, converters consist of a ceramic substrate coated with a precious metal-containing washcoat. A combination of platinum group metals (PGMs) including platinum, palladium and rhodium is often used. The European automotive industry uses huge quantities of PGMs, imposing large costs and depleting natural resources.

Further details: Towards nanotechnology-based catalytic converters for the automotive industry