Why is Catalysis Important for Three-Way Catalytic Converters?
Catalysis is crucial for the efficiency of three-way catalytic converters. The catalysts (platinum, palladium, and rhodium) significantly lower the activation energy required for chemical reactions to occur. This ensures that the conversion of pollutants happens rapidly and efficiently, even at the relatively low temperatures found in automotive exhaust streams. The efficiency of these converters is heavily dependent on the quality and surface area of the catalyst.
