Analysis of automotive catalytic converter to determine precious metal content

Automotive catalytic converters (ACCs) play an essential role in the exhaust system to reduce the emission of harmful pollutants, such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). A converter typically consists of a so-called honeycomb substrate. Such structures contain many fine channels similar in appearance to honeycombs as produced by bees in nature. The majority of ACCs are ceramic based and consist of a like substrate made of cordierite (2MgO.2Al₂O₃.5SiO₂). This material is wash-coated with alumina (Al2O3) to which a combination of platinum group metals (Pt, Pd, Rh) and rare earth oxides such as CeO₂, ZrO₂, etc. are added. Recovery of precious metals by recycling spent ACCs represents a substantial economical value. EDXRF offers a quick and accurate determination of Pt, Pd and Rh content in spent ACCs.

Read the full Application Note - AN41913 (PDF: 729 KB)