Novel Emission Control Honeycomb Substrates for Significantly Reducing PGM Loading and Downsizing

Motivated by the need to save expensive precious metals (platinum, palladium, Rhodium) used in emission control systems, this research project investigates a novel emission control honeycomb capable of allowing reduced use of precious metals. The novel honeycomb has the potential also to reduce emissions, fuel consumption, vehicle weight and manufacturing costs, in all providing an appealing value proposition. In Phase I, computational models simulating flow transport and reaction chemistry were used to study the concept and to deliver proof-of-concept. In Phase II the computational insight will be further fine-tuned, also prototypes will be built and tested in micro reactors. Due to its potentials to save cost appreciably and to provide additional savings in fuel and reduced emissions, it is anticipated that this new technology will be of considerable interest to the automotive industry. Additionally, its fuel cost savings and reduced emissions will be of interest to end consumers, while providing environmental and societal benefits. Once ready, the novel honeycomb will reduce the cost of emission control system appreciably, via saving in precious metal, also downsizing the honeycomb allowing further vehicle weight reduction, reduced CO2 and fuel use, amongst other benefits.