This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop compositions of nanocomposite metal oxide catalysts for use in automotive catalytic converters. Such nanocomposite catalysts will potentially lower emissions of polluting gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides (NOx) particularly in the initial warm-up phase of engine operation. With more stringent regulations on mobile source emissions, the need for improved catalytic conversion has become a major priority for research efforts worldwide. The key task will be to develop the ceria-based nanocomposites suitably doped with highly dispersed noble metal (Pt or Pd) to achieve highly active and thermally stable performance at costs comparable to conventional catalysts. The proposed project will have a major impact on commercial and consumer automotive applications. Catalytic converters are used in nearly all gasoline-powered automobiles. Improvement in catalytic converter efficiency will have significant environmental impacts on the mobile air pollution sources.
