{"id":5321,"date":"2026-07-17T08:19:29","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T23:19:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/agus.co.jp\/en\/?p=5321"},"modified":"2026-07-17T08:19:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T23:19:31","slug":"what-is-a-catalyst-automotive-catalyst-used-in-a-car-a-simple-explanation-of-their-role-how-they-work-and-where-they-are-used","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/agus.co.jp\/en\/?p=5321","title":{"rendered":"What is a catalyst (automotive catalyst) used in a car? A simple explanation of their role, how they work and where they are used."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Catalysts are rarely seen in everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We don\u2019t realize it but they are used in many places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we talk about catalysts used in cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, catalysts are used in car and motorbike mufflers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we will explain the catalysts used in cars (automotive catalysts), from their role to how they work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s have a look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catalysts used in cars convert toxic gases into harmless gases.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A catalytic converter used in cars (automotive catalytic converter) is a device that converts toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, into gases that are harmless to humans, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen. It is used in the exhaust systems of cars and motorcycles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two main types of automotive catalyst to look at.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There are two main types of catalyst used in cars<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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There are two main types of vehicle catalysts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s look at each of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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three-way catalyst<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Three-way catalysts are typical catalysts used in petrol vehicles and are ceramic or metallic honeycomb structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rhodium, platinum and palladium are used as catalysts, converting toxic substances into harmless substances as the exhaust gases pass through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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NOx storage reduction catalyst<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Three-way catalysts are not effective in lean burn engines (engines with a reduced proportion of petrol) and diesel engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NOx (nitrogen oxide) storage reduction catalysts are therefore used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mechanism is to absorb NOx emitted from the engine and purify it with a reductant supplied by the engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As they are more commonly used in petrol-powered vehicles, the following section details how three-way catalysts work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Role and mechanism of catalysts used in cars (three-way catalysts).<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Source:\u65b0\u3057\u3044\u9178\u5316\u30bb\u30ea\u30a6\u30e0\u30ca\u30ce\u30ed\u30c3\u30c9\u6750\u6599\u306e\u958b\u767a | AIMR<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catalytic converters contain \u201crhodium,\u201d \u201cplatinum,\u201d and \u201cpalladium\u201d, which use catalytic reactions to neutralize toxic gases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specifically, the following chemical reactions detoxify the substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n