A catalytic converter is a device that helps to reduce exhaust emissions from an internal combustion engine. The converter is placed in the exhaust system, between the engine and the muffler. It contains a catalyst, which is a substance that helps to speed up a chemical reaction. The catalyst helps to convert harmful gases into less harmful gases.
Catalytic converters were first used on cars in the 1970s. Before that time, cars emitted a lot of pollution. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was formed in 1970, and one of its first goals was to reduce pollution from cars. The EPA required all new cars to have catalytic converters.
How Catalytic Converters Work
A catalytic converter contains two main parts: the catalyst and the substrate. The catalyst is usually made of platinum or palladium. The substrate is made of ceramic or metal honeycomb.
The function of the catalyst is to help convert harmful exhaust gases into less harmful gases. As the engine runs, it produces exhaust gases like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and hydrocarbons (HC). These gases are released into the air and can be harmful to people and the environment.
The function of the substrate is to provide a large surface area for the exhaust gases to come into contact with the catalyst. The more contact there is between the gas and the catalyst, the more effective the converter will be at reducing emissions.
A catalytic converter is a device that helps to reduce exhaust emissions from an internal combustion engine. It contains a catalyst, which helps to convert harmful gases into less harmful gases. Catalytic converters were first used on cars in the 1970s, and they have been required on all new cars since then.
