Inorganic chemistry and ceramics, Polymer chemistry

# Research & Development of the Intelligent Catalyst

Keyword: Self-regeneration of automotive catalysts, R&D using SR, Conservation of precious metal resources

Organizations Involved

Dr. Yasuo Nishihata, Principal Researcher, Japan Atomic Energy Agency

Dr. Hirohisa Tanaka, Executive Technical Expert, Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd.

Dr. Nishihata

Dr. Tanaka

## 【Abstract】

It was discovered, using the 8-GeV synchrotron radiation source SPring-8, that palladium-perovskite catalysts can recover for themselves in the real exhaust gas of petrol engines. They retain their high metal dispersion due to the structural responses to the inherent redox fluctuation in the exhaust gas composition. The comprehension of the self-regeneration phenomenon led to a successful development of high performance automotive catalysts, what we call “intelligent catalysts”, with reducing a great amount of precious metals including rhodium and platinum as well as palladium.

## [Summary of the technology transfer]

## Technological Impact

An innovative material design for a catalyst was proposed with the self-regeneration mechanism: a material is sensible to its surroundings and is capable to recover for itself. An intelligent catalyst, which hardly deteriorates in vehicle use, was put to practical use first in the world.

## ●Market Impact

The intelligent catalyst for palladium was put to practical use in 2002, that for rhodium in 2005, and that for platinum in 2006. 2.5 million or more automobiles equipped with the intelligent catalyst have been produced by not only Daihatsu but also Toyota.

## ● Social Impact

This technology can minimize the amount of precious metals in the catalytic converter, maintaining high catalytic activity to meet the super ultra-low emission vehicle standards. It is a socioeconomic solution to increasing demand for precious metals due to increasing automobiles in China and India, and the global strengthening of emissions control.

## ●Special Features of the Collaboration

In collaboration between a national laboratory and a private enterprise, a scientific principle was discovered, and the intelligent catalyst was invented based on the principle. It is very important that the principle/mechanism of the self-regeneration phenomenon is published as a scientific paper and is appreciated in public. Because the reliability of products will be scientifically supported and the expansion into a wide area of investigation will be expected through the scientific activity.

## Project Background

Daihatsu consulted JAEA (JAERI at that time) about the novel perovskite-based catalyst in 2000. They begun collaboration to investigate the crystal structure of the catalyst, using a newly-built JAEA beamline (BL14B1) at SPring-8.

## Funding History

Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B) from 2003 to 2005:

“Self-regeneration of the catalyst for automotive emissions control”

(15350090)

## I ntellectual property protection

Patent:

“Analysis technique and apparatus for x-ray absorption fine structure” (2005-084523)

## I ntelligent catalyst

## Self-regeneration of the intelligent catalyst and deterioration of the conventional catalyst

## Turning point in the Project

The comprehension of a phenomenon supports the effective and steady R&D.

○The advancement to the academic world is just as important as the service to the public through an industrial production.

○The project members trust and respect each other.