three way catalysis

How Does Three-Way Catalysis Work?

The three-way catalyst works under a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, meaning the proportion of air to fuel is perfectly balanced. This balance is crucial for the catalyst to effectively perform the following reactions:
1. Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide (CO):
\[ 2CO + O₂ \rightarrow 2CO₂ \]
2. Oxidation of Unburned Hydrocarbons (HC):
\[ CₓHᵧ + (x + y/4)O₂ \rightarrow xCO₂ + (y/2)H₂O \]
3. Reduction of Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ):
\[ 2NOₓ \rightarrow xO₂ + N₂ \]
The precious metals in the catalyst provide a surface where these reactions can occur more easily, lowering the activation energy required.

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