Microwave plasma catalyst

The emissions from transport vehicles have dramatically increased over the last 30 years and huge sums of money are being invested in the reduction of vehicle pollution. The current method for treating these gases is using a catalytic converter, which has a honeycomb of porous ceramic. Once the catalyst has been heated to over 300 /spl deg/C the unwanted molecules are ripped from their compounds and stick to the catalyst where they bind with other similar atoms and are then released into the atmosphere. In addition, the internal combustion engine does not burn with 100% efficiency, some of the, nonburnt fuel causes the release of hydrocarbons (HC) and due to inadequate mixing with the air molecules exit the engine as carbon monoxide (CO). Additionally the combustion combines nitrogen with oxygen to form oxides of nitrogen (NOx). This paper presents the microwave plasma catalyst and its effective use against vehicles against gases and particulates.