Mazda Introduces Single-Nanocatalyst Technology in All-New Mazda3

Mazda Motor Corp. announced on January 8, 2009, the world's first market application of single-nanocatalyst technology in automobile catalytic converters. This highly durable catalyst reduces the amount of precious metals used by 70 percent and effectively purifies vehicle exhaust gases. It will be introduced in the all-new Mazda3 (Mazda Axela in Japan), which will commence global sales in 2009.

The world's first single-nanocatalyst structure was realized by developing a method of controlling precious metal particles of less than five nanometers in diameter to increase its effective surface area, as well as developing a proprietary catalyst material structure on which those single-nanosized particles were embedded in fixed positions. As a result, there is no agglomeration of the particles by heated exhaust fumes, thus preventing reductions in effective surface area and catalytic activity. The amount of rare metals used can therefore be significantly reduced without deteriorating the purification performance of the exhaust gases.

With the single-nanocatalyst, the under floor catalytic converter requires only 0.15 grams of precious metals per liter, approximately 70 percent less than the 0.55 gram per liter required in conventional catalytic converters. The domestic model in Japan qualifies as a Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (SU-LEV) by achieving exhaust emissions that are at least 75 percent cleaner than the government's 2005 regulations. Mazda will progressively introduce the single-nanocatalyst to all its global markets.

- Mazda Develops Auto Catalyst to Drastically Cut Precious Metal Use (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/026924.html
Mazda Cuts Precious Metal Usage 70 Percent in New Single-nanocatalyst
http://www.mazdausamedia.com/content/
mazda-cuts-precious-metal-usage-70-percent-new-single-nanocatalyst

Posted: 2009/04/17 06:00:15 AM