Gold, an alternative to platinum group metals in automobile catalytic converters

Catalytic convertors based on the use of platinum, palladium and rhodium play a major role in the cleaning of automobile emissions. Gold, when dispersed as nano-sized particles, has demonstrated significant activity in the conversion of toxic components, including carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, in engine emissions and some advantages over the platinum group metals. Some research outcomes on the application of nano-sized gold for the conversion of these components are reviewed. Several key issues in relation to its performance and applicability in catalytic convertors such as low-temperature activity and thermal stability and the possibilities of substituting platinum group metals for automobile emission control with gold are discussed.