What is the function of the powder inside the three-way catalytic converter?

[EloiseMarie]

The powder inside the three-way catalytic converter has the function of decomposing harmful gases and is also beneficial for environmental protection. The following is relevant information about the automotive three-way catalytic converter: Function: The three-way catalytic converter is installed in the front section of the car's exhaust pipe to reduce toxic and harmful substances in the vehicle's exhaust emissions. Quality Judgment: When the catalytic converter is in normal working condition, a large amount of reaction heat is generated due to oxidation reactions. Therefore, the performance of the catalytic converter can be judged by comparing temperature differences. Start the engine, warm it up to normal operating temperature, maintain the engine speed at around 2500r/min, and lift the vehicle.

[LukasAnn]

I've always been interested in car parts, especially the three-way catalytic converter. Those powders inside are actually residues from the fallen catalyst coating. They were originally attached to the ceramic substrate and contain precious metal powders like platinum, rhodium, and palladium. Their core function is to purify exhaust gases, converting harmful carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, breaking down nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and oxygen, and transforming unburned hydrocarbons into water vapor and carbon dioxide. It's essentially a chemical filter installed in the exhaust pipe. Without these powders, the car would emit black smoke directly and definitely fail emissions testing. I've seen people clean out the catalytic converter powders, resulting in extremely loud exhaust noise and blue smoke, causing the annual inspection to fail immediately. It's important to avoid using low-quality gasoline in daily use, as high sulfur content fuel can corrode these powder layers.

[LeLeo]

I usually enjoy researching automotive emission systems, where the powder inside the catalytic converter plays a crucial role. Essentially, it consists of residual coatings from metal catalysts, primarily containing precious metal particles like platinum and rhodium. This powder performs three key functions simultaneously: oxidizing carbon monoxide in exhaust gases into carbon dioxide, reducing nitrogen oxides into nitrogen gas, and breaking down unburned fuel molecules. It acts like a chemistry teacher, transforming harmful gases into harmless substances. Passing the annual vehicle inspection largely depends on it. However, the powder can easily detach—if you notice sluggish acceleration and increased fuel consumption, it might be due to powder clogging the exhaust pipe. I recommend regularly inspecting the exhaust system and avoiding leaded gasoline, as lead can deactivate the catalyst, turning it into useless residue.

[VanNevaeh]

When repairing cars, issues with the catalytic converter are often encountered. The powder inside is actually the result of the catalyst coating peeling off. Originally, those platinum, rhodium, and palladium powders were adhered to the ceramic lattice, functioning to purify three types of exhaust gases through chemical reactions. Carbon monoxide is converted into carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides are broken down into a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen, and hydrocarbons are burned into water vapor. Without this layer of powder, the exhaust emissions will exceed the standard. Moreover, the detached powder can accumulate at the bends of the exhaust pipe, causing an increase in backpressure, making the car feel noticeably sluggish during acceleration. Regular inspection of the exhaust pipe color is crucial—normally it should be light gray; if it turns black, it may indicate a buildup of powder.