What is the powder in a three-way catalytic converter used for?
2 Answers
The powder in a three-way catalytic converter is used to reduce toxic and harmful substances in vehicle exhaust. Below is an introduction to the three-way catalytic converter: 1. Introduction: The three-way catalytic converter is the most important external purification device installed in a vehicle's exhaust system. It converts harmful gases such as CO, HC, and NOx emitted from vehicle exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions. 2. Structure: The exterior of the three-way catalytic converter is made of double-layer stainless steel plates formed into a cylindrical shape. Insulating material, such as asbestos fiber felt, is placed in the interlayer between the double-layer plates. Inside, a purifying agent is installed between mesh partitions. The purifying agent consists of a carrier and a catalyst.
As a frequent driver, I often wonder about the powder inside the three-way catalytic converter. In fact, it's not pure powder, but a catalyst coating composed of fine particles of precious metals like platinum, palladium, or rhodium, which adhere to the ceramic substrate. Its core function is to convert harmful gases in vehicle exhaust: for example, turning carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, unburned hydrocarbons into water and carbon dioxide, and reducing nitrogen oxides to nitrogen. I've seen cases where the catalytic converter aged and broke down, causing the powder to fall out, leading to a sharp increase in exhaust pollution and even difficulty starting the car. In such cases, a replacement is necessary—costly but essential to prevent environmental degradation. Regular maintenance checks on the catalytic converter's condition are crucial, as they not only reduce emissions but also extend the vehicle's lifespan.
