What Challenges Are Faced in Catalysis for Emission Control?
1. Durability: Catalysts can degrade over time due to thermal aging, poisoning by contaminants (e.g., sulfur), and mechanical wear. Developing durable catalysts that maintain performance over the lifespan of the vehicle is a significant challenge. 2. Efficiency: Achieving high conversion efficiencies at varying engine loads and temperatures is complex. Catalysts need to be effective during cold starts when the engine and catalyst are not yet at optimal operating temperatures. 3. Cost: Catalysts often contain precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which are expensive. Research is ongoing to find cost-effective alternatives without compromising performance.
