The hidden danger of heavy metals in catalytic converters
Thursday, January 14, 2016 - 05:52
in Physics & Chemistry
The heart of every car is its engine, where the energy of petroleum combustion is transformed to mechanical energy, which makes the car move. Unfortunately, no internal combustion engines are environmentally friendly. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and other dangerous compounds are released as exhaust. In order to protect the environment from these toxic gases, every modern car is equipped with a catalytic converter, which converts exhaustive gases to non-toxic water, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Its function is based on the catalytic reaction, which takes place on the surface of precious metals—namely palladium, platinum and rhodium.