Two catalyst formulations are planned which should significantly advance performance and durability of emission control converters for use in light duty vehicles converted for use with compressed natural gas (CNG) or dual (gasoline and CNG) fuels. Research in Phase I will formulate and experimentally examine key performance parameters for (1) catalysts designed to resist sintering and maintain nitrogen oxide reduction activity and threeway catalytic activity at elevated temperatures, and (2) catalysts designed to convert carbon monoxide, non-methane organic compounds, and methane at low temperatures. The feasibility of new flexible configurations of emission control converters capable of three way catalyst (TWC) coupling and specifically designed to exceed Ultra Low Emmission Vehicle standards with CNG fuel will be examined. Research tasks will include: * Development of a sintering-resistant NOX reduction catalyst designed to operate in (hotter) locations closer to the exhaust manifold than current underfloor converters. * Evaluation of coatings designed to inhibit oxidation of new commercial ferritic steels used in electrically heated converters (EHC). * Development of TWC catalyst with high oxygen storage capability and high activity for CO and hydrocarbon oxidation at low temperature. Anticipated Results /Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee:The advanced catalytic system would allow conversion of gasoline vehicles to CNG to produce several significant economic benefits previously not clearly attributable to CNG vehicles. Because the catalyst designs are expected to result in ultra-low emissions for NOX and non-methane organic compounds, a departure for the traditional reductions solely in CO and particulates, these vehicles could become a potential source of cost-effective emissions reductions aimed at attaining both NOX and ozone air quality standards. CNG conversion is effectively a vehicle recycling program; therefore 1) it is cost-effective to reduce emissions from vehicles whose market value exceeds the price offered by scrapping programs; 2) consumers need not purchase a new car to achieve the reductions (as is the case with most alternative vehicle programs; and 3) the emissions reductions are relatively permanent for the life of the vehicle and exceed those reductions achieved by simple replacement with new gasoline engines.
