Emission control catalyst

• Emission control catalysts, introduced in the 1970s, are now used on all types of internal combustion engines, as well as in a number of stationary applications. 
• The catalytic converter is widely used as an emissions control unit in automobiles and some industries. It uses one or more catalysts such platinum, palladium and rhodium to burn off many impurities in exhaust fumes. 
• To work effectively, the converter needs to reach a temperature of 300 degree Fahrenheit (149 degrees celsius) or more. At that temperature, the catalysts begin to burn hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen, turning them into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor.