The development of a non-precious metal based catalyst for NOx removal from automobile exhausts

A satisfactory catalyst for the removal of nitrous gases from automobile exhausts has to satisfy simultaneously a wide range of physical and chemical demands that are imposed by the duty it must perform. This paper outlines the complex interrelation between catalyst formulation and catalyst duty for a non-precious metal based catalyst developed by the ICI as part of an extensive research programme lasting many years into the catalytic detoxification of automobile exhausts.