Two-way catalytic converters contain a ceramic or metallic substrate coated with precious metals such as platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and rhodium (Rh). These metals act as catalysts that facilitate the chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. The substrate has a honeycomb structure to maximize the surface area for the reactions.
When exhaust gases pass through the converter, the catalysts promote the oxidation of CO and HC. The reactions are as follows: - Carbon Monoxide (CO) + Oxygen (O₂) → Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) - Hydrocarbons (HC) + Oxygen (O₂) → Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) + Water (H₂O)