What is the function of a car's three-way catalytic converter?
2 Answers
The function of a car's three-way catalytic converter is to purify exhaust gases. Here are the relevant details: 1. Function: It promotes specific oxidation-reduction chemical reactions, where CO is oxidized into colorless, non-toxic carbon dioxide gas at high temperatures; HC compounds are oxidized into water and carbon dioxide; and NOx is reduced into nitrogen and oxygen. These three harmful gases are converted into harmless gases, thereby purifying the vehicle's exhaust. 2. Features: The three-way catalytic converter has stable performance, reliable quality, and a long lifespan, making it widely applicable. The core component of the three-way catalytic converter is a porous ceramic material installed in a specially designed exhaust pipe. It is called a 'carrier' because it does not participate in the catalytic reaction itself but is coated with precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium.
Last time I saw a clogged catalytic converter in the workshop, the car owner was puzzled why the fuel consumption suddenly soared. This thing is essentially an 'exhaust gas purifier' that sits in the middle of the exhaust pipe. Inside it, there are three precious metals—platinum, palladium, and rhodium—acting as catalysts, which convert three harmful substances in the exhaust—carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides—into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen. If it stops working, not only will the exhaust smell pungent, but it will definitely fail the annual inspection, and the dashboard might light up with a warning light. Usually, you should avoid using low-quality gasoline, as it can easily poison and deactivate the catalytic converter. Replacing a new one can cost several thousand yuan!
