Exhaust Emission Catalyst Technology

New technologies, incorporating the platinum group metals, are available to meet the exhaust emission regulations for cars, light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles and motorcycles being adopted by the European Union for implementation during the new century. These technologies include low light-off catalysts, more thermally-durable catalysts, improved substrate technology, hydrocarbon adsorbers, electrically heated catalysts, DeNOx catalysts and adsorbers, selective catalytic reduction and diesel particulate filters. This large range of technologies will allow exhaust emissions from all engines, both on- and non-road, to be lowered to unprecedented levels. This paper examines the state of emission control technologies currently available for all types of engine.