| abstract |
The continuously stricter environmental regulations in the transportation emissions sector leads to an increase in noble metals (Pt, Pd, Rh) content in three-way catalytic converters, widely used in gasoline-fueled vehicles and thus, to a gradual increase in their supply and demand deficit. Consequently, noble metal prices rise resulting in an increase in the cost of three-way catalytic converters.A novel low-cost catalyst is described herein for the abatement of the three toxic pollutant gases present in exhaust gases of gasoline-fueled vehicles: CO, NO<sub>x</sub>and C<sub>x</sub>H<sub>y</sub>. The catalyst comprises mainly copper (Cu) and at least one of the noble metals selected from platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium and gold, supported over mixed metal oxides comprising cerium oxide (CeO<sub>2</sub>) doped, stabilized, combined or mixed with at least one oxide of the transition metals selected from the list of Y, Pr, Sr, Sc, La, Ti, Zr, Gd, Nb, V, Sm, Nd and/or Tb, said support exhibiting high oxygen storage capacity. Comparative catalytic activity measurements between a catalyst from the proposed herein catalyst group and a commercial nobel metal -containing catalyst with high metal loading, have shown the high yield and commercial exploitation potential of the proposed herein catalysts. |