- More than 2 years ago
Catalytic converters rely on particles of metal to spur reactions that transform vehicle-exhaust pollution into less-hazardous carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen.
Unfortunately, the metal particles in use today stick together when exposed to engine heat. That shrinks the overall metal surface area available, making the catalysts less efficient. Carmakers compensate for this problem by loading converters with extra catalyst, an expensive practice since the metals are usually costly ones, such as palladium and platinum.