Reducing emissions of polluting gases from vehicles and road traffic in cities is vital to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement . As the energy transition progresses, it is essential to increase efficiency even further.
One of the most recent and promising developments in this field is a catalytic device that allows fuel consumption to be reduced by 15% and CO2 emissions to be reduced by up to 20%.
In addition, this new catalytic converter not only contributes to improving vehicle performance, but also helps reduce emissions of other polluting particles that are dangerous to health and the environment. We invite you to learn more about this innovative technology, its advantages and how it could revolutionize the automotive market.
A new catalyst that promises less pollution
This device was developed by a Spanish environmental consultancy called O3 Protégelo , which specializes in comparative analysis of pollutant emissions and improving combustion efficiency. Their focus has been on designing a catalyst that is effective in all types of engines , both diesel and gasoline.
One of the most significant benefits of this emissions reduction system is its ability to reduce CO2 emissions by 20% in diesel vehicles and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 15-20% . Furthermore, the device also offers a significant reduction in the smallest polluting particles (2,5 mm in diameter), which are extremely harmful to health. These particles are reduced by up to 80%.
The catalytic converter works using an ingenious technological solution. Unburned fuel residue in gasoline engines is dissolved by the device, reducing the carbon monoxide level in the exhaust by half. Interestingly, it not only improves combustion efficiency but also increases engine power.
Improvements in combustion and fuel efficiency
The catalyst includes a reactive mixture of minerals , housed in an aluminum cylinder installed in the fuel feed pipe. This assembly eliminates static electricity from the hydrocarbon as the fuel passes through the device. By eliminating this static electricity, the catalytic chemical reaction is accelerated , meaning less energy is needed for complete combustion of the fuel.
The result is 95% fuel efficiency , meaning more fuel is burned in the process, thus reducing the amount of harmful emissions released. Furthermore, this improved combustion not only leads to lower emissions but also contributes to increased engine power and efficiency.
This new device can be installed in virtually any fuel engine available on the market, from motorcycles to trucks, buses and industrial vehicles. Thanks to the versatility of the catalyst, it can be integrated into machinery for liquid extraction, irrigation systems, burners and cranes. It is designed to support a wide range of applications.
The impact on air quality
Air pollution is a growing problem, especially in large Spanish cities where road traffic remains one of the main sources of polluting emissions. Particles and gases resulting from vehicle combustion are harmful to human health and are linked to chronic respiratory diseases.
Thanks to this catalytic converter, older vehicles that don't meet the strictest European emissions standards could have their lifespan extended. The reduction in emissions allows these vehicles to pass the mandatory vehicle inspection (ITV) and also obtain certificates to drive in low-emission zones, such as the center of Madrid.
One example of a plan that benefits from this system is Madrid's Air Quality Plan A , launched in September 2018. This plan aims to renew the vehicle fleet and promote cleaner, more efficient mobility. Furthermore, the plan includes the gradual restriction of the most polluting vehicles in urban areas, making it more difficult for older cars that cannot be adapted to the new regulations to continue operating.
New Advances in Catalysts: Additional Innovations
In recent years, various studies and developments have been undertaken to further improve the efficiency of current catalysts. For example, a team of researchers from the University of the Basque Country has proposed the use of perovskites as a more economical alternative to traditional noble metals such as platinum, rhodium, or palladium. These alternatives are not only more cost-effective but also more stable at high temperatures.
Perovskites enable the efficient conversion of nitrogen oxides (NOx) into nitrogen and oxygen, contributing to the reduction of urban pollution . This trend also opens new avenues for the development of catalysts with greater durability and lower production costs.
Furthermore, companies like Qaptis in Switzerland have begun testing systems that collect and transform CO2 into liquid form . This process has the potential to capture up to 90% of carbon emissions from trucks and other heavy vehicles, offering a key solution for decarbonizing freight transport.
There is a significant opportunity to continue researching and developing technologies that will enable internal combustion engines to remain viable in a future where sustainability is increasingly important.
The role of the catalyst in current emission reduction systems
Catalytic converters are just one of the many technologies introduced in modern vehicles to reduce emissions of polluting gases . Other complementary systems include Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) , which reduces NOx emissions, and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) , essential for capturing the solid particles that most affect health.
Also noteworthy is Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) , which uses products like AdBlue to convert nitrogen oxides into harmless substances such as nitrogen and water. The combination of these systems allows for greater efficiency in reducing emissions.
Despite advances in vehicle electrification, optimizing internal combustion engines remains a crucial field. Implementing these technologies in hybrid or conventional vehicles allows for a smoother transition to sustainable mobility without abandoning the vehicles that are still on the road.
Ultimately, this catalytic converter, together with other emerging technologies, offers practical solutions to limit the environmental impact of traditional vehicles. By allowing lower fuel consumption and reducing emissions, both manufacturers and drivers can better comply with current regulations and contribute to the fight against pollution.