What is a Catalytic Converter?

In 1909 Wilhelm Ostwald was awarded the Nobel-Prize for his definition of a Catalytic Converter:

"A catalyst is a substance that accelerates chemical reactions, during which the substance itself may not degenerate, and may not interfere with the thermodynamic equilibrium of this reaction."

Catalytic converters in the automotive industry

Catalytic converters are used in the automotive industry to reduce the toxins introduced into the final exhaust.

The following toxic substances, among others, are produced by fuel burning engines:

• Carbon-monoxide (CO)
• Nitrogen oxides (NO_x)
• Hydrocarbon (HC)

All three ( hence the name three-way-converter) of these toxins can be reduced by up to 90%.

Ceramic- and metal carriers

Converters differ in terms of construction of the carrier-material that holds the thin metal layer which possesses the catalysing qualities.

Metal, as well as ceramic carriers are used for the construction of Converters. The metal-based Converter may be mounted closer to the engine, due to its heat resistance. It is also more durable as well as reliable.

Although precious metals are more easily extracted from a ceramic-carried Converter, metal-carried Converters are less sensitive to tremors, have lesser counter-pressure and also reach sufficient operating heat in less time. This results in increased motor efficiency (decreased gas usage!), or in a smaller circumference of the unit.
Additionally metal-carried units can be pre-heated electrically, which in turn reduces the period of running on less than perfect operating temperature, resulting in less emission due to maximisation of use.

During this de-toxification no hazardous materials are collected at the surface of the Converter, rather the emissions are transformed into environmentally friendly substances.