New ceramic technology for catalysis and the reduction of emissions and particulate pollutants into the atmosphere

Abstract

Internal combustion engines have been causing a lot of pollution, as in their combustion process produce harmful gases such as CO, hydrocarbons, NOx and particulate matter. Environmental requirements on polluting aspects of the transport sector and in motor vehicles especially, and the demand for sustainable technology for the planet, lead to the need to improve the devices for depuration of gaseous and particulate matter emissions. On the other hand, we can not forget the costs of implementing these systems in the automotive sector in a scenario of economic crisis, with increasing offer and declining demand. In this context, we have been working on a project called MEDEA, which aims to achieve a new technology that combines the following parameters: simplicity; reduced cost of implementation; reduced emissions (able to meet Euro 6 regulations and reduce CO2 emissions to 130 g/km); and durability. In this paper we present the development and results of the first phase of this project carried out on behalf of the Chair SEAT.