Hyundai and Kia Motors develop heat resistant, eco-friendly catalyst (Cu-LTA) that can withstand 150 degrees higher than the current catalyst

Hyundai in partnership with Kia motors has successfully developed a catalyst that can withstand temperatures as high as 900-degree celsius called  Cu-LTA. Hyundai and Kio motors are the leading auto manufacturers in south Korea Professor Hong Suk-bong and researchers of Pohang University of Science and Technology with the help of local automakers have developed Cu-LTA catalyst which is used by selective catalytic reduction device detached in diesel Engines.

What is the role of catalyst?

• In general, the car engine would efficiently burn all the petrol supplied to it and convert into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor, but combustion engines are not very efficient and release dangerous pollutants into exhaust fumes.
•  For example, carbon monoxide which is a greenhouse gas and nitrous oxide which reacts with water to form Nitric acid that in turn leads to acid rains.
• A catalytic converter provides ideal reaction to convert dangerous chemicals into carbon dioxide and water. 
• When you turn on the engine, the operating temperatures may reach as high as 1000 degrees celsius.
• So the catalyst has to withstand such high temperatures and the catalyst has to act on exhaust gasses without affecting the flow of gasses. 
• For this purpose, catalysts are made of ceramic lattice mixed with metals like platinum, rhodium palladium And other metal oxides. 
• However, the higher temperatures damage the surface of the catalyst reducing the efficiency and in some cases even melts the ceramic catalyst.
• The new device(Cu-LTA catalyst ) can withstand the heat that is 150 degrees  celsius higher than the previous catalyst and is also eco-friendly,  it converts harmful emissions into Nitrogen oxides into water and Nitrogen.

Also Read:  Researchers finally awaken Graphene's hidden superconducting property in its natural state

According to the company official, the new device has the improved performance and is best in the market. It is also capable of withstanding all temperature ranges of diesel engines. The research team is in the process of applying for patents across the world. After commercialisation, the device is expected to expand the use of the engine and also increase fuel efficiency. The company can also reduce the expenses spent on the current catalyst and it also fetches the developers money in the form of royalty for the material.

source