Automotive Emission Control: Past, Present and Future

Robert J. Farrauto

Research Fellow, BASF Catalysts, Iselin, New Jersey
Adjunct Professor, Earth and Environmental Engineering,
Columbia University, in the City of New York
Bob.Farrauto@BASF.com

Abstract

The first automobile catalysts, for gasoline fueled internal combustion engines (IC) were introduced in 1975. They were designed to facilitate the reduction of carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned gasoline derived hydrocarbons (HC). The catalyst had to continue to function with a approximate reduction of 90% (relative to an uncontrolled 1970 vehicle) for 50,000 miles. The automobile industry was skeptical since the success of the catalyst was dependent on the driving and maintenance cycles of the average consumer. Since that time we have seen one of the most successful applications of catalysis for cleaning emissions from IC engines including gasoline, diesel, two and 4 cycle engines, power plants, chemical plants, restaurants, and wide body aircraft to name a few. Today we see the three way catalyst (TWC) as the heart of a closed loop engine control strategy successfully reducing emissions of CO, HC and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) to near zero for 150,000 miles. This has clearly been an achievement of epic proportions with a positive impact on the environment and the health of the world.

Now catalytic scientists and engineers are faced with new challenges for controlling diesel engine emissions for trucks, buses and passenger cars. As we approach 2010 Federal Standard emissions of CO, HC, NOx and particulates must approach zero levels. This is still not the end because we are now seeing the emergence of environmental emission control with the need to utilize more renewable sources of transportation fuels. Catalysis is already taking on the challenges of generating alternative sources of energy while preserving the world’s environment.

Today’s talk will provide a brief history of some of the accomplishments in controlling emissions from the gasoline and diesel engines and point to alternative technologies under investigation including advanced NOx reduction technologies, new engine concepts and the fuel cell as the end game in the hydrogen economy.

Speaker’s Bio - Dr. Farrauto is a Research Fellow at the Corporate Research Laboratories of BASF Catalysts (formerly Engelhard) in Iselin, New Jersey, USA. His major responsibilities have included the development of advanced automobile emission control catalysts and catalysts for the chemical industry. He managed an Engelhard research team that developed and commercialized diesel oxidation catalysts for the European, North American and Asian markets for passenger cars and heavy duty trucks. Currently he manages a research team developing new catalyst technology for the hydrogen economy including hydrogen refueling stations and fuel cells for stationary, portable power and vehicular applications. He is also Adjunct Professor in the Earth and Environmental Engineering Department of Columbia University, in the City of New York where he teaches course in catalysis.