New Nissan Cube to debut new catalyst with low precious metal content
Between 30% to 50% of the world’s platinum output is used in automobile catalytic converters, and automobile-based usage are set to become even higher of fuel cell cars become more popular in the future, as platinum catalysts are also used in fuel cells.
Platinum is called a precious metal for a reason. Some keywords found in the definition of a precious metal include rare, and high in economic value. Thus it would make sense for an automaker to try to reduce the usage of such precious metals in their vehicles.
Nissan has developed a new ultra-low precious metal catalyst that will debut on the new Nissan Cube, set to be launched this week on the 19th of November 2008. They claim it uses half the amount of precious metals (rhodium and platinum) compared with regular catalysts – 1.3 grams versus 0.65 grams.
In regular catalysts, the high exhaust gas temperatures cause the precious metals to cluster together, thus reducing exposed metal surface. To counter this, catalysts typically contain more precious metals. Nissan’s catalyst adds a “wall” which prevents the clustering of the precious metals.
November 16, 2008 @ 6:48 pm
My 1st comment is…. NO COMMENT !
November 16, 2008 @ 7:01 pm
My 2nd comment is…. GOT COMMENT !
I think Nissan wanna proof something on this earth !!!!
November 16, 2008 @ 8:24 pm
so much chemistry here…
November 16, 2008 @ 11:33 pm
nice invention…hope every car manufacture create more tech to make the world greener…hope this invention can comprehend the issue of cat con which it only effective when at the right temperature…and reduce the engine power losses because of the cat con…good move
November 16, 2008 @ 11:51 pm
I support anything that will preserve the world. Go on Nissan!!
November 17, 2008 @ 12:10 am
Agreed.hopefully can reduce air pollution to maximum.
November 17, 2008 @ 12:57 am
R&D working overtime eh?
November 17, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
nissan is good