Catalytic converters

[At Ur Own Risk]

Introduction
The burning of fossil fuels is generally a very clean reaction, meaning it does not create much pollution. However, when combustion occurs with either too little or too much air, dangerous chemicals are produced, such as carbon monoxide and nitric oxide. Catalytic converters aid in the transformation of these pollutants into less harmful substances, like carbon dioxide and water.

How does a catalytic converter work
The most common catalytic converter is located between the engine and muffler on your car. Essentially, it consists of a can that is separated into many sections by clay sheets. These clay sheets have dozens of very fine holes in them. These holes are lined with a thin metal oxide and small particles of platinum and rhodium. Creating many small surfaces on the metal is necessary because reactions only happen on the surfaces and these metals are very expensive. Chemicals like carbon monoxide and nitric oxides bond to the surfaces of these metals as they react to form less harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen and water.