Catalytic converter

What is Catalytic converter?

A device attached to the exhaust system of an auto or other engine to eliminate or substantially reduce polluting
emissions. It converts three harmful substances into harmless ones: carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas) into
carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides (cause acid rain and smog) into nitrogen and oxygen, and hydrocarbons (cause
smog and respiratory problems) into carbon dioxide and water.
Catalysts are compounds that can trigger a chemical reaction without being affected themselves. For example,
enzymes are natural catalysts that control many important chemical reactions in living organisms. Catalysts are
also used in automobiles to reduce emissions of certain harmful compounds.

How Catalytic Converters Work?

Over the years, automakers have made many refinements to car engines and fuel systems to keep up with these
laws. One of these changes came about in 1975 with an interesting device called a catalytic converter. The job of
the catalytic converter is to convert harmful pollutants into less harmful emissions before they ever leave the
car's exhaust system.
What is a Catalytic Converter Made of?
Catalytic converters consist of a stainless steel box attached to the muffler and containing ceramic beads or
honeycomb coated with catalysts (usually alumina, ceria, and other compounds combined with palladium,
platinum, and rhodium) and various sensors that regulate the fuel and air passing through the engine.

What does it do?

The basic function of the Catalytic Converter is to remove potentially dangerous compounds from the exhaust
gases before they can be expelled into the air. There are three compounds the converter works to remove, which
are:

 Hydrocarbons – This compound is basically left over gasoline that has not been burnt by the engine. If
released into the atmosphere it can build up and cause dangerous clouds of smog to form.

 Nitrogen Oxide – The sheer heat in the engine whilst it is running forces oxygen and nitrogen molecules
to be compounded together, which in turn causes Nitrogen Oxide to be formed. This compound is also
very bad for the environment, as it can pool at cloud level, until it falls to the earth as acid rain.

 Carbon Monoxide – this compound is also formed by the heat of the engine during operation. In this
case, carbon monoxide is formed as a by-product of gasoline being burnt in the engine. This gas is
extremely dangerous and is poisonous to oxygen breathing mammals – including us humans.

How does it do it?

It uses “Catalysts” (the metals such as platinum) to “Convert” the dangerous compounds into less harmful ones.
The compounds react with the catalyst materials, changing their molecular makeup and converting them from one
compound into another.
So for example, extremely harmful carbon monoxide, after it comes into contact with the catalyst, is changed into
Carbon dioxide. Nitrogen Oxide is split back into its original states so it can be expelled as simple nitrogen and
oxygen whilst the Hydrocarbons are turned into Carbon dioxide and water.
Without the catalytic convertor they would be far, far more dangerous.