2.45 GHz microwave atmospheric plasma for UK Foresight Vehicle

Summary form only given, as follows. Atmospheric microwave plasma technology, which was previously developed by The University of Liverpool for material processing, has been used as part of the future missions for the UK Foresight Vehicle Link programme for reducing harmful exhaust emissions from petrol, LPG and diesel engines. The Microcat system works at 2.45 GHz, so a low-cost, mass-produced version could be developed using domestic microwave oven components. Unlike conventional catalysts, which have to reach a temperature of 350-400/spl deg/C to operate correctly, Microcat will begin working as soon as power is applied. The Microcat system is also tolerant of fuel contamination and does not restrict the flow of the exhaust gas.