Application of carbon monoxide catalyst in automobile exhaust treatment and life extension strategy

The carbon monoxide (CO) catalyst is one of the core components of the automobile exhaust purification system, and its main function is to convert toxic CO into non-toxic carbon dioxide (CO₂), thereby reducing the harm of exhaust emissions to the environment and human health. With the increasingly stringent global environmental regulations, the application of CO catalysts in the automotive industry has become particularly important.
CO catalysts are usually based on precious metals such as platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and rhodium (Rh) as active components, and are supported on a honeycomb ceramic or metal carrier. The principle of its action is to adsorb CO and oxygen (O2) through the active site on the catalyst surface, and catalyze the oxidation reaction between the two at a lower temperature to generate CO₂. This process is not only efficient, but also works synergistically with other exhaust treatment technologies, such as nitrogen oxide reduction, to achieve comprehensive exhaust purification. CO catalysts are widely used in exhaust gas treatment systems of gasoline vehicles, diesel vehicles and hybrid vehicles.
Strategies for extending catalyst life
Optimize fuel quality: Use clean fuel with low sulfur and phosphorus to reduce the toxic effect of impurities such as sulfur and phosphorus on the catalyst and avoid the active site being covered or deactivated.
Improve the catalyst material: use the catalyst formula that is resistant to sulfur and phosphorus, or add rare earth elements (such as cerium, lanthanum) to improve the stability of the catalyst and the ability to resist poisoning.
Control air-fuel ratio: By precisely controlling the air-fuel ratio of the engine, avoid too thick or too thin mixture resulting in overheating or failure of the catalyst.
Regular maintenance and regeneration: check the catalytic converter status regularly, remove surface area carbon and impurities through high-temperature calcination or chemical cleaning, and restore catalyst activity.
Optimize engine conditions: reduce cold start and idle conditions to avoid incomplete combustion of fuel into the catalyst, causing blockage or sintering of the catalyst.
In the future, with the popularity of new energy vehicles and the advancement of environmental protection technology, CO catalyst will continue to play an important role in traditional fuel vehicles and hybrid vehicles, providing technical support for the realization of green transportation and sustainable development.