Both governments and car manufacturers seek to reduce and regulate automotive emissions. Catalytic converters, now standard on newly-manufactured automobiles, use catalyzed chemical reactions to convert toxic byproducts to less harmful substances. Zirconium doped cerium oxide has ideal properties for use in catalytic converters. Thin films of nanoparticle catalysts offer increased surface areas, and therefore better catalytic effects. This technology describes a simple, effective method to mass produce zirconium doped ceria oxide nanoparticles.
This technology involves mixing a solution of zirconium oxychloride and cerium nitrate with a mixture of hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) to produce nanoparticles, which are separated from solution. By providing a fast initial mixing rate and controlling reaction time, nanoparticles of a specific size range can be prepared.
A comparatively high yield was achieved with this technology compared to other nano-particle synthesis methods.
Patent Issued (US 7,449,163)
Tech Ventures Reference: IR M02-049