Emission Control in Diesel Engine Vehicles Using Zeolite Catalyst

The exhaust gases emitted by diesel engines contributes greatly to continuing air quality problems. Even though more stringent emission standards are in effect, these engines continue to emit vast amounts of air pollutants like nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulphur oxides and unburned hydrocarbons, including toxic compounds such as formaldehyde. All of these pollutants pose a serious threat to public health as well as the environment. The objective of this project was to develop and test zeolite catalyst for its ability to effectively treat diesel exhaust [primarily concentrating on reduction of NOx]. Nowadays, platinum based catalytic converters are being used to oxidize or reduce these exhaust gases. However, these convertors are more expensive due to use of rare transition elements like platinum, rhodium, palladium. Zeolite catalyst are much cheaper than these elements which makes it cost efficient.