Automotive Catalyst Development
Catalytic converters that reduce hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and nitrogen oxides are required on almost all of the 60 million vehicles sold globally per year. Catalyst formulations are tailor-made with a combination of platinum, palladium and rhodium with other materials, such as rare earth oxides (REO), to meet stringent emissions standards for the life of the vehicle.
We can help your company select materials to manufacture cost effective and durable catalysts.
Environex has over 40 years of experience in the field of precious metals automotive catalysts. Our formulation experience includes three-way catalysts for gasoline engines, oxidation catalysts and particulate filters for diesel engines (DPFs and DOCs) as well as NOx absorbers and SCR catalysts for diesel and lean burn engines. We have worked with many advanced materials, including alumina and rare-earth oxides, that enhance the function and durability of the platinum group metals. We consider the full system in catalyst development, and the unique requirements of advanced power trains, such as the new downsized turbocharged DI vehicles which put downward pressure on exhaust temperatures to improve fuel economy.
Combined with our Laboratory Services group, we offer a number of catalyst formulation and material selection capabilities such as:
- Choice of cost-effective combinations of materials that meet the stringent requirements for durability
- Development of specialized high yield catalyst coating processes that can be reliably scaled up
- Catalyst testing and aging, and benchmarking prototype catalysts with commercially available products
- Qualifying new materials for superior catalyst performance or reduced cost catalysts
- Washcoat adhesion and thermal durability tests
