Catalytic Converter

Stuff To Cover

Ø Catalytic Converter made out of Platinum or Palladium

Ø At about 500^oC

Ø Hydrocarbons and Carbon monoxide oxidised in first chamber (page 3)

Ø Nitrogen monoxide reduced in second chamber (page 3)

Ø Products are: Carbon dioxide, water vapour, Nitrogen, Oxygen.

Ø Heterogeneous reaction (catalyst or contact) absorbs

A catalyst that is in a separate phase from the reactants (one or more)

(page 3)

Ø Other products (toxic products): Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and Carbon dioxide (CO₂) already mentioned (page 4)

Ø H₂S – poisonous SO₂ – acid rain. CO₂ – greenhouse effect (page 4)

Ø Substrates – this is what absorbs the gases – further detail on actually catalyst (a substance in which another is absorbed) (page 5 further info)

Ø Oxygen sensors (what tell of exhaust gases) on visual aid as zirconia sensor.

DON’T FORGET THAT WERE FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1970’S IN THE U.S.A. TO CONTROL EMISSIONS – ALL NEW CARS IN THE U.S.A. ARE FITTED WITH THESE.

Copyright © Samuel J George 2002 All rights reserved.