The Operation of a Three-way Catalytic Converter used in a Spark-ignition (Gasoline) Engine The three-way catalyst converter is so named because

of the number of exhaust pollutants it converts, these being; 1. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) 2. Carbon Monoxide (CO) 3. Unburnt Hydrocarbons (HC) The catalysts used in a 3-way catalytic converter are palladium, rhodium, and platinum, and their purposes are noted below: 1st Stage Reduction Catalyst. This stage uses a combination of platinum and rhodium to reduce the volume of NOx emissions. As the NOx gases pass over the catalysts the nitrogen atoms are attracted to and held by the catalyst, where they bond with other captured nitrogen atoms forming N2. The oxygen molecules carry on through the converter in the form of O2 which will be used in the oxidization of the unburnt hydrocarbons in the next stage. -

2nd Stage Oxidizing Catalysts. The second stage consists of oxidation, here the exhaust gases containing carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbons passes through the matrix where the platinum and palladium are embedded. These react with the gases converting carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, and unburnt hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water as shown below; Carbon Monoxide (CO) + Oxidation = Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Unburnt Hydrocarbons (HC) + Oxidation = Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). 3rd Stage - Control System. This consists of a sensor that is fitted to the exhaust pipe before the catalytic converter which monitors the exhaust gases and sends a signal back to the on-board computer. The computer then adjusts the air/fuel ratio to maintain stoichiometric conditions. The computer also ensures that there is enough oxygen in the exhaust gases to allow oxidization of the unburnt hydrocarbons and conversion of CO to CO2 by the platinum and palladium catalysts.

The Operation of a Two-way Catalytic Converter used in a Compression-ignition Engine The two-way catalytic converter is used in compression ignition engines such as diesels using platinum and palladium as catalysts. The 2-way catalytic converter operates similar to the 3-way counterpart in that it converts the exhaust gases through oxidation: 1. Carbon Monoxide (CO) + Oxidation = Carbon Dioxide (CO2) 2. Unburnt Hydrocarbons (HC) + Oxidation = Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). As can be seen from above, the two-way catalytic converter treats the carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbons, but does not reduce the NOx emissions from a diesel engine exhaust gases. When diesel oil is used in a compression ignition engine, the resultant exhaust gases contain a large quantity of sooty particulates including elemental carbon; these pollutants must be removed from the exhaust gases. This is accomplished by fitting an NOx trap or absorber to the exhaust system. The 2way catalytic converter also has a sensor fitted which transmits the condition of the exhaust gases to the on-board computer as in the 3-way converter.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Catalytic Converters Advantages of Catalytic Converters Conversion of noxious gases, especially those which form acid rain and ground ozone (smog) in city centers. Catalytic converters can be recycled, the catalysts being fully reclaimed and reused. Disadvantages of Catalytic Converters Catalytic converters do not fully operate until they warm up so short runs should be avoided. Catalytic converters increase fuel consumption Possibility of poisoning the catalysts due to use of leaded fuel or contamination from lube-oil or coolant into exhaust system. Possibility of catalysts becoming overheated and partially melting due to the unburnt hydrocarbons build-up. However, modern catalytic converters have an overheating warning system alarm on the dashboard. Catalysts used are becoming scarce and more expensive, so much so that gold has been used to replace platinum.