Novel Emission Control Honeycomb Substrates for Significantly Reducing PGM Loading

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 providing reduced use of precious metals. The novel honeycomb has the potential to further reduce emissions, fuel consumption, vehicle weight and manufacturing costs, in all providing an appealing value proposition. Phase I will focus on proof of concept and defining the value proposition arising from use of this honeycomb. Quantifying the full savings in precious metal cost, emissions and fuel is a key deliverable. An additional target is to arrive at clear pathways to build prototypes and deliver performance demonstrations to the industry. Computer simulations, physics of flow transport and reaction chemistry principles will be used to gain insight into the concept complexity and to perform proof-of-concept. Due to its potentials to save cost appreciably and also 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 will be also of interest to end consumers, while its reduced emissions will provide environmental and societal benefits. In Phase II, the novel honeycomb prototypes will be built and its performance will be demonstrated to the automotive industry, pursuing its market potentials. Marketing and business strategies will be developed and various commercialization pathways (licensing, production or both) will be explored. In Phase III, final commercialization stages will be completed for series production of this honeycomb. Key Words: Emission control; honeycomb; precious metal, catalyst, fuel, emissions, regulated emissions, greenhouse gas, CO2, commercialization. Summary for Members of Congress: A novel emission reduction technology is pursued, potentially capable of providing substantial cost savings, also further reducing emissions, fuel consumption and vehicle weight. Computer simulations will be performed in this research project to seek proof of concept for this novel technology and to develop its value proposition.