What are Catalytic Oxidizers?
A catalytic oxidizer, or catalytic converter, is an automobile component found in the exhaust system. It oxidizes (burns) carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, using platinum and palladium/rhodium as catalysts, while reducing (separating the oxygen atom rather than adding it) nitrogen oxides to create nitrogen. This greatly reduces toxic tailpipe emissions and reduces smog. Catalytic oxidizers became widespread after regulations on automobile emissions were made mandatory nationwide in the U.S. in 1968. Now they are used in most cars around the world. Because catalytic oxidizers cannot operate in the presence of lead, their introduction caused leaded gasoline to be phased out. Catalytic oxidizers are also used in industrial processes to reduce harmful emissions, but their most common appearance is in automobiles.
