A catalytic converter is a device used in the exhaust system of internal combustion engines to reduce the amount of harmful pollutants emitted into the environment. It is designed to convert toxic exhaust gases into less harmful ones by using a catalyst to speed up chemical reactions.
Catalytic converters were first introduced in the 1970s as part of efforts to reduce air pollution caused by cars and trucks. They work by oxidizing (burning) harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into less harmful gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor (H2O), and nitrogen (N2).
The catalyst inside the converter is typically made of precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which help to speed up the chemical reactions. The exhaust gases pass over the catalyst and are converted into less harmful gases before being released into the environment.
Catalytic converters are required by law in many countries, including the United States, and are a critical component of modern vehicle emissions control systems. They have been successful in reducing air pollution from cars and trucks, but they do have some limitations. For example, they are less effective at lower temperatures, and they can be damaged by certain contaminants in the exhaust gases, such as lead from leaded gasoline.