What material is a three-way catalytic converter made of?
2 Answers
A three-way catalytic converter is made of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) material with a stainless steel outer shell. It is an external purification device installed in the automotive exhaust system, which converts harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides emitted from vehicle exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions, thereby achieving the purpose of purifying vehicle exhaust. The cleaning method for a three-way catalytic converter is as follows: 1. Use a lift to raise the vehicle and remove the three-way catalytic converter; 2. Soak and clean the three-way catalytic converter with oxalic acid solution, then rinse it with clean water; 3. Reinstall the cleaned three-way catalytic converter and start the vehicle for testing.
The three-way catalytic converter is composed of several key materials. It typically has a honeycomb-shaped ceramic or metal substrate, which acts like a small skeleton providing structural support. On this substrate, a coating such as aluminum oxide is applied to help stabilize chemical reactions. The most critical part is the catalyst material, which consists of precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals are responsible for converting harmful gases emitted by the engine, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons, into harmless water and carbon dioxide. These precious metals are expensive, which is the main reason for the high cost of the catalytic converter. Using high-quality gasoline and performing regular engine maintenance can extend its lifespan, preventing clogging or poisoning failure. Personally, I enjoy studying these details because understanding the material composition helps us better maintain our vehicles and reduce environmental pollution.
