How do Catalytic Converters Work?

With heightened calls for eco-friendly initiatives all over the world in light of rising climate change, catalytic converters have been gaining immense popularity. These exhaust-fitted devices are capable of reducing your vehicle’s gaseous waste and reducing your overall carbon footprint.

However, many remain unaware of how these devices work and what benefits they offer. Turborevs features an in-depth analysis of catalytic converters and their functioning.

What are Catalytic Converters?

Comprising a large metal box attached to the exhaust of your vehicle, catalytic converters serve the purpose of reducing the impact of harmful pollutants that leave your vehicle. Since pollutants such as sulfur dioxide or carbon monoxide are made up of benign gases, simply splitting these gases into their less harmful components can help reduce the damage to the environment.

As the name suggests, these devices act as a catalyst, boosting the process without changing itself. Commonly, these converters are made out of inert materials such as platinum or rhodium. Such materials are not only sturdy and durable but also allow the device to last for longer periods.

How Do Catalytic Converters Work?

In simple terms, catalytic converters modify harmful pollutants such as nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other hydrocarbons into benign elements such as water vapours and carbon dioxide. However, the process that goes within the device is a bit more complex. 

Catalytic converters consist of a honeycomb-like structure, and are coated with catalyst materials. As the honeycomb shape offers more surface area, the harmful gases are converted into their less dangerous counterparts much quicker and more effectively. 

Generally, two catalysts within a converter work simultaneously. The first one employs the process of ‘reduction’, where harmful oxides of nitrogen are broken down into nitrogen and oxygen gases. On the other hand, a process of ‘oxidation’ takes place, which turns hydrocarbons into less harmful oxides and water. 

Based on the number of catalytic conversions taking place, there are various types of converters. However, the most common ones are three-way converters and two-way catalytic converters.

Conclusion

With global temperatures rising and the world moving towards a severe crisis, it is essential to take the necessary steps to play your part. Catalytic converters are one such device that can allow you to help tone down your emissions. However, knowing the benefits that these devices offer and how they function is also essential.

Find the best catalytic converters at Turborevs and reduce your carbon footprint by several folds.