Automobile Exhaust Emissions Control

Catalyst technology based upon platinum metals supported on a ceramic or metal substrate has been tried, tested and approved in the United States of America and in Japan for the control of carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen from vehicles. Australia is shortly to require a reduction in noxious emissions from this source, while in Europe a growing awareness of the detrimental effects of pollutants upon the environment has now led to a decision to introduce emission control standards. Over the past decade the motor industry has been supplied by Johnson Matthey with many millions of autocatalysts; now their accumulated expertise and manufacturing capacity will be available to meet the European demand, whether it be for advanced three-way catalysts, using platinum and rhodium, or for platinum + palladium oxidation catalysts to support anticipated developments in lean-burn engine technology.