catalytic converter

Name elements used as catalysts in a catalytic converter

Palladium, Rhodium, Platinum

What are catalysts coated in

On a ceramic honeycomb to give large surface area

What do catalysts reduce

Pollution, acid rain, photochemical smog

When do catalyst work best

High temperature at 300

Where is the catalytic converter placed in a car

At the front near the engine

Name exhaust fumes major sources of pollution

CO, NO, NO2, unburned hydrocarbons

What do catalytic converters do

Changes exhaust fumes into harmless gases

Removal of pollutant when CO reacts with oxides of nitrogen it forms

CO+NOx=CO2+N2

Unburned hydrocarbons react with oxides of nitrogen to form

C2H6+NOx=CO2+H2O+N2

What are products are removal of pollutants

Less polluting

Destruction of converter

Ceramic breaks down from high temperature variations and vibration. Catalyst is poisoned by Pb, using lead petrol destroys catalysts by blocking active site and stopping it working

Why is the core of a catalytic converter honeycomb

To increase surface area

What type of catalysis is involved in a catalytic converter

Heterogeneous catalysis