The benzene problem: impact of three-way catalyst technology: potential for further improvement
by Norbert V. Heeb, Anna-Maria Forss, Christian J. Saxer, Patrick Wilhelm, Stefan Bruhlmann, Claudio Rudy, Martin F. Weilenmann
International Journal of Environment and Pollution (IJEP), Vol. 22, No. 3, 2004

Abstract: Chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (CI-MS) was applied to study the benzene emission characteristics of a TWC-vehicle at a time resolution of one Hertz. Three important operating conditions with increased emissions were identified: at vehicle start; at extended stop-and-go situations; and whenever a catalyst-induced benzene formation occurs. The cold start influence was detectable for about 200 seconds of driving corresponding to a distance of 1.2 km. At hot engine/catalyst mean pre- and post-catalyst emission rates of 25–150 mg km-1 and 0.1–135 mg km-1 were determined. Catalyst conversion varied from 0.07 to >0.99. Even negative conversion efficiencies were observed at several occasions, indicating that benzene can be formed de novo in a TWC. It is of importance to lower benzene emissions at these critical operating conditions to further reduce ambient air levels in cities and with it the cancer risk for large proportions of our population.

Online publication date: Tue, 19-Oct-2004

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