Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Controlling exhaust emissions from automotive engines is important in Canada and the rest of the world. With the increasingly stringent regulations regarding on-road engines, the catalytic industry is interested in gaining more understanding of phenomena that can help increase the efficiency of combustion catalysts used for exhaust purification. To manufacture catalysts that can meet these demands, as well as improve already existing systems, better characterisation methods for testing these systems and the ability to fine tune supported noble metal catalysts are needed. Since oxygen mobility is one of the key factors for the proper functioning of caria-supported catalysts, this parameter will be quantified with surface and structural characterisation methods. The correlation of the catalytic activity of the obtained systems with the aforementioned properties will enable engineering new systems, which can lead to the desired levels of exhaust stream purification.* This proposed research project involves the synthesis of supports for noble metal catalytic systems to investigate the methods that can be used to better assess and engineer suitable catalysts for modern exhaust purification systems, which will meet current Canadian emission standards. The project aims to develop a new partnership between DCL International Inc. (DCL) and Sheridan College, where the project team proposes to conduct initial testing of properties and activity of the obtained systems. With more advanced equipment in place, the supports and complete catalytic systems will then be tested by DCL, which also aims to apply the knowledge gained from the project to enhance the products currently offered.*