Question

What is a catalytic converter and how does one work?

Answer

A catyltic converter is a device that uses a catalyst to convert three harmful compounds in car exhaust into harmless compounds.

The three harmful compounds are:

1. Hydrocarbons (in the form of unburned gasoline)
2. Carbon monoxide (formed by the combustion of gasoline)
3. Nitrogen oxides (created when the heat in the engine forces nitrogen in the air to combine with oxygen).

In a catalytic converter, the catalyst (in the form of platinum and palladium) is coated onto a ceramic honeycomb or ceramic beads that are housed in a muffler-like package attached to the exhaust pipe. The catalyst helps to convert carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. It converts the hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water. It also converts the nitrogen oxides back into nitrogen and oxygen.

Here are some interesting links on catalytic converters:

• Automobiles and the environment
• Catalytic Converter News
• The Catalytic Converter & Unleaded Gasoline
• The Civic Ferio LEV and Partner 1.6 LEV
• Chemical Dynamics of a Catalytic Converter
• E.P.A. Says Catalytic Converter Is Growing Cause of Global Warming

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