Synergized PGM close-coupled catalysts for TWC applications

Abstract

Synergized PGM catalyst converters configured as three-way catalyst (TWC) systems are disclosed. The disclosed SPGM system configurations exhibit high thermal stability, attenuated air to fuel (A/F) perturbations, enhanced TWC activity, and high catalytic conversion efficiency as a result of synergizing a low PGM loading close-coupled catalyst (CCC), with Ce-based oxygen storage, with a front spinel zone of suitable mixed metal oxide compositions acting as pre-catalyst for oxygen storage. The attenuation of A/F perturbations to lower amplitude, before exhaust gas emissions go into the standard PGM CCC, allows the system to work within a range of R values very close to the stoichiometric point for both lean and rich conditions, and high catalytic conversion efficiency in NO.sub.X, CO, and HC conversions. The disclosed SPGM system configurations can be utilized in a plurality of TWC applications, such as conventional TWC systems including an optional underfloor catalyst.

Claims

1. A catalytic system, comprising: a first catalytic apparatus comprising at least two catalytic portions; and a second catalytic apparatus comprising at least one catalytic portion; wherein one of the at least two catalytic portions of the first catalytic apparatus comprises at least one binary spinel composition and wherein one of the at least two catalytic portions of the first catalytic apparatus comprises a close-coupled catalyst; and wherein the at least one catalytic portion of the second catalytic apparatus comprises a platinum group metal.

2. The catalytic system of claim 1, wherein the second catalytic apparatus forms a portion of an automotive underfloor catalyst.

3. The catalytic system of claim 1, wherein the at least one binary spinel composition is formed from metals selected from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, manganese, gallium, nickel, copper, silver, cobalt, iron, chromium, titanium, tin, and mixtures thereof.

4. The catalytic system of claim 1, wherein the at least one binary spinel composition comprises a CuMn spinel structure.

5. The catalytic system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least two catalytic portions of the first catalytic apparatus comprises a substrate having disposed thereto a catalyst at a thickness of between one and two inches.

6. The catalytic system of claim 1, wherein the conversion of CO in an applied lean exhaust stream is greater than 95%.

7. The catalytic system of claim 1, wherein the conversion of NO in an applied lean exhaust stream is greater than 98%.

8. The catalytic system of claim 1, wherein the conversion of hydrocarbons in an applied lean exhaust stream is greater than 96%.

9. The catalytic system of claim 1, wherein the close-coupled catalyst comprises Pd and Rh.

10. The catalytic system of claim 1, wherein the close-coupled catalyst comprises Pd and Rh; wherein the Pd is present at about between 6 g/ft.sup.3 and 20 g/ft.sup.3, and the Rh is present at about 6 g/ft.sup.3.

11. The catalytic system of claim 1, wherein the close-coupled catalyst comprises about 60% by weight of CuMn spinel.

12. The catalytic system of claim 1, wherein the close-coupled catalyst comprises about 40% by weight of a platinum group metal.

13. The catalytic system of claim 1, wherein the close-coupled catalyst comprises at least a layer of PGM catalyst material overlying a Ce-based oxygen storage material substrate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present disclosure can be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. In the figures, reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

(2) FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a conventional three-way catalyst (TWC) system portion of an engine system that includes a standard platinum group metals (PGM) close-coupled catalyst (CCC) having PGM and Ce-based oxygen storage and a PGM underfloor catalyst.

(3) FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a synergized PGM (SPGM) TWC system portion of an engine system that includes a front spinel zone and a standard PGM CCC having PGM and Ce-based oxygen storage and further including a PGM underfloor catalyst, according to an embodiment.

(4) FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a SPGM TWC system including a front spinel zone and a standard PGM CCC having PGM and Ce-based oxygen storage, according to an embodiment.

(5) FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating analysis points in a SPGM TWC system including a front spinel zone and a standard PGM CCC having PGM and Ce-based oxygen storage, according to an embodiment.

(6) FIG. 5 is a graphical representation illustrating the lambda oscillation waveforms of the A/F perturbations at specific points prior to the exhaust gas emissions entering (FIG. 5A) a front spinel zone and then after the exhaust gas emissions leave the front spinel zone (FIG. 5B) before reaching the standard PGM CCC, according to an embodiment.

(7) FIG. 5A is a graphical representation illustrating the lambda oscillation waveforms of the A/F perturbations at point Q of the exemplary SPGM TWC system of FIG. 4 prior to the exhaust gas emissions entering the front spinel zone, according to an embodiment.

(8) FIG. 5B is a graphical representation illustrating the lambda oscillation waveforms of the A/F perturbations at point R of the exemplary SPGM TWC system of FIG. 4 after the exhaust gas emissions leave the front spinel zone and prior to the exhaust gas emissions reaching the standard CCC, according to an embodiment.

(9) FIG. 6 is a graphical representation illustrating a catalytic conversion efficiency comparison of NO.sub.X, CO, and THC conversions of an SPGM system resulting from isothermal oscillating testing of a first PGM loading of the standard PGM CCC as part of a plurality of SPGM catalyst configurations, according to an embodiment.

(10) FIG. 7 is a graphical representation illustrating a catalytic conversion efficiency comparison of NO.sub.X, CO, and THC conversions of an SPGM system resulting from isothermal oscillating testing of a second PGM loading of the standard PGM CCC as part of a plurality of SPGM catalyst configurations, according to an embodiment.

(11) FIG. 8 is a graphical representation illustrating a catalytic conversion efficiency comparison of NO.sub.X, CO, and THC conversions of an SPGM system resulting from isothermal oscillating testing of a third PGM loading of the standard PGM CCC as part of a plurality of SPGM catalyst configurations, according to an embodiment.

(12) FIG. 9 is a graphical representation illustrating lambda oscillation zones which characterize the catalytic conversion from conventional TWC systems and the disclosed SPGM TWC systems, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(13) The present disclosure is described herein in detail with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which form a part hereof. Other embodiments may be used and/or other modifications may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description are not meant to be limiting of the subject matter presented.

DEFINITIONS

(14) As used here, the following terms have the following definitions:

(15) Catalyst refers to one or more materials that may be of use in the conversion of one or more other materials.

(16) Platinum group metals (PGM) refers to platinum, palladium, ruthenium, iridium, osmium, and rhodium.

(17) Zero PGM (ZPGM) catalyst refers to a catalyst completely or substantially free of platinum group metals.

(18) Synergized PGM (SPGM) catalyst refers to a PGM catalyst system which is synergized by a ZPGM compound under different configuration.

(19) Catalyst system refers to any system including a catalyst, such as, a PGM catalyst or a ZPGM catalyst of at least two layers comprising a substrate, a washcoat and/or an overcoat.

(20) Oxygen storage material (OSM) refers to a material that absorbs oxygen from oxygen rich gas flows and further able to release oxygen into oxygen deficient gas flows.

(21) Synthesis method refers to a process by which chemical reactions occur to form a catalyst from different precursor materials.

(22) Three-Way Catalyst refers to a catalyst able to perform the three simultaneous tasks of reduction of nitrogen oxides to nitrogen and oxygen, oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, and oxidation of unburnt hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water.

(23) Spinel refers to any minerals of the general formulation AB.sub.2O.sub.4 where the A ion and B ion are each selected from mineral oxides, such as, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, aluminum, chromium, or copper, amongst others.

(24) Close-coupled catalyst, or close-coupled catalytic converter, or pre-cat refers to a catalyst located in close proximity to the exhaust manifold of the engine and reduces cold-engine emissions by burning off hydrocarbons from the extra-rich mixture used to start a cold engine.

(25) Air/Fuel ratio or A/F ratio refers to the mass ratio of air to fuel present in a combustion process.

(26) R value refers to the value obtained by dividing the reducing potential of the catalyst by the oxidizing potential of the catalyst.

(27) Rich condition refers to exhaust gas condition with an R value greater than 1.

(28) Lean condition refers to exhaust gas condition with an R value less than 1.

(29) Lambda refers to the ratio of (A) the ratio of the amount by weight of air divided by the amount by weight of fuel actually being fed to the engine at a point in time, to (B) the air/fuel stoichiometric ratio.

(30) Conversion refers to the chemical alteration of at least one material into one or more other materials.

(31) Catalytic Conversion efficiency refers to the ratio of the rate of mass removal within the catalytic converter of the particular constituent of interest to the mass flow rate of that constituent into the catalytic converter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(32) The present disclosure describes the components of a catalytic converter system for treating the exhaust gas of an engine. The catalytic converter system components include a synergized platinum group metals catalyst (SPGM) system configuration that optionally includes a PGM underfloor catalyst. The SPGM system configuration further includes a front spinel zone and a standard PGM close-coupled catalyst (CCC).

(33) Configuration of a Close-Coupled PGM Catalyst with a Front Spinel Zone

(34) FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a synergized platinum group metals catalyst (SPGM) Three Way Catalyst (TWC) system portion of an engine system that includes a front spinel zone and a standard PGM CCC having PGM and Ce-based oxygen storage and further including a PGM underfloor catalyst, according to an embodiment. In FIG. 2, engine system 200 includes engine 104 and SPGM TWC system 210. SPGM TWC system 210 further includes SPGM system 220 and PGM underfloor catalyst 106. SPGM system 220 includes standard PGM CCC 102 and front spinel zone 202. It should be understood that engine system 200 can include more components, less components, or different components depending on desired goals. In FIG. 2, elements having identical element numbers from previous figures perform in a substantially similar manner.

(35) In FIG. 2, engine 104 is mechanically coupled to and in fluidic communication with SPGM TWC system 210. In SPGM TWC system 210, SPGM system 220 is mechanically coupled to and in fluidic communication with PGM underfloor catalyst 106.

(36) In some embodiments, SPGM TWC system 210 is configured to receive exhaust gases from engine 104, process the received gases into underfloor treated exhaust gases, and expel the underfloor treated exhaust gases into the atmosphere. In these embodiments, SPGM system 220 within SPGM TWC system 210 is configured to receive exhaust gases from engine 104, process the received gases into SPGM treated gases, and expel the SPGM treated gases into PGM underfloor catalyst 106 for additional processing. Further to these embodiments, front spinel zone 202 configured to receive exhaust gases from engine 104, process the received gases into spinel treated gases, and expel the spinel treated gases into standard PGM CCC 102 for further processing.

(37) In FIG. 2, front spinel zone 202 within SPGM system 220 comprises a mixture of metal oxides and functions as both an oxygen storage material as well as a standard pre-catalyst for standard PGM CCC 102. In some embodiments, front spinel zone 202 is manufactured using any conventional synthesis method. According to these embodiments, the front spinel zone can be formed comprising a plurality of binary spinel compositions. Examples of suitable materials that these spinel structures can contain are aluminum, magnesium, manganese, gallium, nickel, copper, silver, cobalt, iron, chromium, titanium, tin, or mixtures thereof. In exemplary embodiments, front spinel zone 202 comprises CuMn spinel structures. Further to these exemplary embodiments, front spinel zone 202 is formed using Cu and Mn of suitable loadings for a CuMn spinel coating of about one or two inches. In some embodiments, after formulation front spinel zone 202 is subsequently coated onto a standard PGM close-coupled catalyst, such as, for example standard PGM CCC 102.

(38) In operation, front spinel zone 202 attenuates the air to fuel (A/F) ratio oscillations within the exhaust gases received from engine 104 into low amplitude oscillations prior to reaching standard PGM CCC 102.

(39) In some embodiments, the attenuation of the A/F ratio oscillations has a synergistic effect upon standard PGM CCCC 102 because the catalytic conversion efficiency is significantly enhanced even for a standard PGM CCC containing low PGM loading.

(40) FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a TWC system portion of an engine system that includes a front spinel zone and a standard PGM CCC having PGM and Ce-based oxygen storage, according to an embodiment. In FIG. 3, engine system 300 includes engine 104 and SPGM system 220. SPGM system 220 includes standard PGM CCC 102 and front spinel zone 202. It should be understood that engine system 300 can include more components, less components, or different components depending on desired goals. In FIG. 3, elements having identical element numbers from previous figures perform in a substantially similar manner.

(41) In FIG. 3, engine 104 is mechanically coupled to and in fluidic communication with SPGM system 220. In some embodiments, SPGM system 220 is configured to receive exhaust gases from engine 104, process the received gases into SPGM treated gases, and expel the SPGM treated gases into the atmosphere. In these embodiments, front spinel zone 202 within SPGM system 220 is configured to receive exhaust gases from engine 104, process the received gases into spinel treated gases, and expel the spinel treated gases into standard PGM CCC 102 for further processing.

(42) In FIG. 3, front spinel zone 202 within SPGM system 220 functions as a pre-catalyst. In this role, when implemented using a mass ratio of spinel within spinel zone 202 to PGM within standard PGM CCC 102 and a particular loading of PGM material within standard PGM CCC 102, enhanced catalytic conversion efficiency is achieved which obviates the need for an underfloor catalyst as part of the TWC system. As discussed in FIG. 2 above, in some embodiments, front spinel zone 202 attenuates the A/F ratio oscillations within the exhaust gases received from engine 104 into low amplitude oscillations prior to reaching standard PGM CCC 102. The attenuation benefits of the A/F ratio oscillations within the exhaust gases received from engine are described further in FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B, below. The mass ratio of spinel within spinel zone 202 to PGM within standard PGM CCC 102 in conjunction with particular loadings of PGM material within standard PGM CCC 102 are described in FIGS. 6-8, below.

(43) FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating analysis points in a SPGM TWC system including a front spinel zone and a standard PGM CCC having PGM and Ce-based oxygen storage, according to an embodiment. In FIG. 4, engine system 400 includes engine 104, SPGM system 220, and analysis point Q 402. SPGM system 220 includes standard PGM CCC 102, front spinel zone 202, and analysis point R 404. It should be understood that engine system 400 can include more components, less components, or different components depending on desired goals. In FIG. 4, elements having identical element numbers from previous figures perform in a substantially similar manner.

(44) In FIG. 4, analysis point Q 402 is located at the inlet port of front spinel zone 202 and analysis point R 404 is located the junction of the spinel material layer of front spinel zone 202 and the PGM layer of standard PGM CCC 102.

(45) In FIG. 4, at analysis point Q 402 A/F perturbations are generated when the initial lean interval of an A/F ratio is greater than the stoichiometric value. This initial lean interval is followed by a series of rich intervals of A/F ratio that are lower than the stoichiometric value. The series of rich intervals of A/F ratios alternate with lean intervals of A/F ratios because the engine control system is reacting to exhaust gas sensors (not shown) located prior to SPGM system 220.

(46) In FIG. 4, an efficiency value for the catalytic conversion capability of SPGM system 220 can be determined on the basis of the number of the A/F perturbations following the initial lean interval. As discussed above, at analysis point Q 402 the A/F perturbations possess high amplitudes at low frequencies. At analysis point R 404, the amplitude of the A/F perturbations are reduced due to the synergistic effects generated by front spinel zone 202. The A/F perturbations are reduced because the metal oxides of front spinel zone 202 act as a highly effective pre-oxygen storage material. Therefore, the amplitude of A/F ratio lambda is reduced to a significantly lower value.

(47) Air to Fuel Perturbations

(48) FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate lambda oscillation waveforms of the A/F perturbations of a SPGM TWC system at specific points prior to the exhaust gas emissions entering a front spinel zone and then after the exhaust gas emissions leave the front spinel zone before reaching the standard PGM CCC, according to an embodiment.

(49) In FIG. 5, FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the lambda oscillation waveforms 500 and 550 of the A/F perturbations at specific points prior to the exhaust gas emissions entering (FIG. 5A) a front spinel zone and then after the exhaust gas emissions leave the front spinel zone (FIG. 5B) before reaching the standard PGM CCC, according to an embodiment.

(50) FIG. 5A is a graphical representation illustrating lambda oscillation waveforms 502 of the A/F perturbations at point Q 402 of the exemplary SPGM TWC system of FIG. 4 prior to the exhaust gas emissions from engine 104 entering front spinel zone 202, according to an embodiment. In FIG. 5A, the y-axis represents the amplitude value of the lambda oscillation (.sub.Q) normalized to a value of 1 at the origin and the x-axis represents the frequency of the lambda oscillation.

(51) FIG. 5B is a graphical representation illustrating lambda oscillation waveforms 504 of the A/F perturbations at point R 404 of the exemplary SPGM TWC system of FIG. 4 prior to the exhaust gas emissions from engine 104 entering front spinel zone 202, according to an embodiment. In FIG. 5B, the y-axis represents the amplitude value of the lambda oscillation (.sub.R) normalized to a value of 1 at the origin and the x-axis represents the frequency of the lambda oscillation.

(52) Because of the significantly high oxygen storage capacity of the metal oxide material(s) within front spinel zone 202, when exhaust gases pass through front spinel zone 202 the lambda oscillation waveforms 502 of FIG. 5A are attenuated to a level of amplitude .sub.R, having low frequencies, at analysis point R 404 before reaching standard PGM CCC 102, as illustrated in lambda oscillation waveforms 504 of FIG. 5B.

(53) Because .sub.R is much lower than .sub.Q, the catalytic conversion efficiency of the disclosed TWC system is enhanced when the A/F ratio oscillations caused by the perturbations are maintained at very low amplitude near the stoichiometric point during operation under lean and rich conditions.

(54) Material Composition and Preparation of Samples for Variations of the TWC System Configuration

(55) The synergistic effects and catalytic conversion efficiency of TWC systems, such as, for example the TWC systems as described in FIGS. 2 and 3 vary based on the combination of the PGM loadings of the standard PGM CCC and the particular SPGM catalyst configuration. For the assessment of the TWC systems in the present disclosure, conventional chemical techniques, deposition methods, and treatment systems can be employed in order to form the disclosed TWC system samples.

(56) In some embodiments, TWC system samples are produced using variations of PGM loadings for the standard PGM CCC as well as various SPGM catalyst configurations. In these embodiments, the TWC system samples include combinations of PGM material compositions of palladium (Pd) and rhodium (Rh). In other embodiments, the TWC system samples include combinations of PGM material compositions of Pd. According to these embodiments, the standard PGM CCC within the disclosed TWC systems can be configured to include at least a layer of PGM catalyst material overlying a Ce-based oxygen storage material substrate.

(57) In some embodiments, the plurality of catalyst samples produced includes standard PGM CCC samples including loadings of about 6 g/ft.sup.3 of Pd and of about 6 g/ft.sup.3 of Rh; standard PGM CCC samples including loadings of about 12 g/ft.sup.3 of Pd and of about 6 g/ft.sup.3 of Rh; and standard PGM CCC samples including loading of about 20 g/ft.sup.3 of Pd.

(58) In some exemplary embodiments and referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the CuMn spinel is coated on standard PGM CCC. In these exemplary embodiments, TWC system samples are produced to include for each of the PGM loadings described above and used for the standard PGM CCC samples. Further to these embodiments, weight ratios of 60% CuMn spinel with 40% PGM CCC are used, herein referred to as SPGM systems Type 1A, Type 2A, and Type 3A, respectively.

(59) In other exemplary embodiments, TWC system samples are produced to include for each of the PGM loadings described above and used for the standard PGM CCC samples. Further to these exemplary embodiments, weight ratios of 40% CuMn spinel with 60% PGM CCC are used, herein referred to as SPGM systems Type 1B, Type 2B, and Type 3B, respectively.

(60) In some embodiments, reference samples are produced for catalytic conversion comparisons and to ascertain the significant catalytic conversion efficiency of disclosed TWC system configurations. In these embodiments, the reference samples produced include sample configurations of 60% by weight of a front zone having no spinel material (blank front zone) and 40% by weight of standard PGM CCC sample comprising the plurality of PGM loadings previously described. These samples are herein referred to as standard PGM CCC reference samples Type 1C, Type 2C, and Type 3C, respectively.

(61) In other embodiments, the reference samples produced include sample configurations of 40% by weight of a blank front zone and 60% by weight of standard PGM CCC sample comprising the plurality of PGM loadings previously described. These samples are herein referred to as standard PGM CCC reference samples Type 1D, Type 2D, and Type 3D, respectively.

(62) In still other embodiments, the reference samples prepared include samples including 100% by weight of standard PGM CCC sample, comprising the plurality of PGM loadings previously described. These samples are herein referred to as standard PGM CCC reference samples Type 1E, Type 2E, and Type 3E, respectively.

(63) In other exemplary embodiments, reference samples are produced to include a 100% CuMn spinel, herein referred to as ZPGM reference samples.

(64) According to some embodiments, the synergistic effect of the front spinel zone and the catalytic performance of the disclosed catalyst systems can be tested and compared for all variations of the prepared samples. In these embodiments, testing is conducted by performing a series of isothermal oscillating tests by employing a simulated TWC exhaust gas composition fed into a flow reactor at a selected isothermal temperature and frequency, using a suitable A/F ratio span and space velocity.

(65) TWC Isothermal Oscillating Test Procedure

(66) According to embodiments, the TWC isothermal oscillating testing is conducted employing a flow reactor. During the testing, the temperature is increase from about 100 C. to about 500 C. at a rate of about 40 C./min. In some embodiments, a gas composition of 8,000 ppm of CO, 400 ppm of C.sub.3H.sub.6, 100 ppm of C.sub.3H.sub.8, 1,000 ppm of NO.sub.R, 2,000 ppm of H.sub.2, 10% of CO.sub.2, 10% of H.sub.2O, and O.sub.2 oscillating between about 0.3% to about 0.45% by volume is fed into the flow reactor. In these embodiments, temperature within the flow reactor and the gas composition represent the three-way condition of the control loop in an exhaust system, where the air-fuel ratio (A/F) oscillates between rich and lean conditions of about four seconds each, respectively. The average R-value is about 1.05, at space velocity of about 40,000 h.sup.1. The TWC isothermal oscillating test is conducted, under a frequency of about 0.125 Hz, with 0.8 A/F ratio span, and at an inlet temperature of about 550 C.

(67) Catalytic Conversion Efficiency of a Close-Coupled Catalyst with a Front Spinel Zone

(68) FIG. 6 is a graphical representation illustrating a catalytic conversion efficiency comparison of NO.sub.X, CO, and THC conversions of an SPGM system resulting from isothermal oscillating testing of a first PGM loading of the standard PGM CCC as part of a plurality of SPGM catalyst configurations, according to an embodiment.

(69) In some embodiments, the plurality of system samples include SPGM system samples Type 1A and Type 1B, standard PGM CCC reference samples Type 1C, 1D, and 1E, and ZPGM reference samples, as detailed in Table 1 below.

(70) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 % NO.sub.X, CO, and THC conversions for each of the samples tested including PGM loadings of 6 g/ft.sup.3 Pd and 6 g/ft.sup.3 Rh. % Associated Type of Sample Pollutant Conversion Element CCC reference sample Type 1C NO.sub.X 64 604 CCC reference sample Type 1D NO.sub.X 70 606 CCC reference sample Type 1E NO.sub.X 76 608 ZPGM reference sample NO.sub.X 83 610 SPGM system Type 1A NO.sub.X 99 612 SPGM system Type 1B NO.sub.X 98 614 CCC reference sample Type 1C CO 81 618 CCC reference sample Type 1D CO 86 620 CCC reference sample Type 1E CO 89 622 ZPGM reference sample CO 98 624 SPGM system Type 1A CO 97 626 SPGM system Type 1B CO 96 628 CCC reference sample Type 1C THC 82 632 CCC reference sample Type 1D THC 89 634 CCC reference sample Type 1E THC 94 636 ZPGM reference sample THC 72 638 SPGM system Type 1A THC 92 640 SPGM system Type 1B THC 97 642

(71) In FIG. 6, conversion comparison bar 602, conversion comparison bar 616, and conversion comparison bar 630 illustrate NO.sub.X, CO, and THC conversions respectively, for the catalyst samples detailed in Table 1.

(72) In FIG. 6, as can be observed from each of the conversion comparison bars for the associated TWC systems, described in FIGS. 2 and 3, the SPGM systems Type 1A and SPGM systems Type 1B exhibit significant levels of catalytic conversion efficiency. SPGM system Type 1A exhibits 99% NO.sub.X conversion (bar 612), 97% CO conversion (bar 626), and 92% THC conversion (bar 640). SPGM system Type 1B exhibits 98% NO.sub.X conversion (bar 614), 96% CO conversion (bar 628), and 97% THC conversion (bar 642).

(73) When these conversion efficiencies are compared to results from other samples, it is observed that a characteristic selectivity for conversion of specific species of pollutants (i.e., NO.sub.X, CO, and THC) is obtained. This characteristic selectivity for conversion of specific species is also observed for ZPGM reference samples, as illustrated in bar 610 (exhibits a NO.sub.X conversion of 83%) and in bar 624 (exhibits a CO conversion of 98%).

(74) The standard PGM CCC reference samples Type 1E exhibit NO.sub.X conversion of 76%, CO conversion of 89%, and THC conversion of 94%, respectively, as illustrated in bar 608, bar 622, and bar 636 of FIG. 6.

(75) These significant conversion efficiencies confirm the cooperative behavior between the front spinel zone of CuMn spinel and the standard PGM CCC in the disclosed TWC system configurations. The thermal oscillating test confirms that SPGM system Type 1B can provide higher catalytic conversion efficiency than SPGM system Type 1A.

(76) FIG. 7 is a graphical representation illustrating a catalytic conversion efficiency comparison of NO.sub.X, CO, and THC conversions of an SPGM system resulting from isothermal oscillating testing of a second PGM loading of the standard PGM CCC as part of a plurality of SPGM catalyst configurations, according to an embodiment.

(77) In this embodiment, the plurality of system samples includes SPGM system samples Type 2A and Type 2B, standard PGM CCC reference samples Type 2C, 2D, and 2E, and ZPGM reference samples, as detailed in Table 2 below.

(78) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 % NO.sub.X, CO, and THC conversions for each of the samples tested including PGM loadings of 12 g/ft.sup.3 Pd and 6 g/ft.sup.3 Rh. % Associated Type of Sample Pollutant Conversion Element CCC reference sample Type, 2C NO.sub.X 64 704 CCC reference sample Type 2D NO.sub.X 69 706 CCC reference sample Type 2E NO.sub.X 77 708 ZPGM reference sample NO.sub.X 83 710 SPGM system Type 2A NO.sub.X 99 712 SPGM system Type 2B NO.sub.X 98 714 CCC reference sample Type 2C CO 79 718 CCC reference sample Type 2D CO 85 720 CCC reference sample Type 2E CO 89 722 ZPGM reference sample CO 98 724 SPGM system Type 2A CO 97 726 SPGM system Type 2B CO 97 728 CCC reference sample Type 2C THC 85 732 CCC reference sample Type 2D THC 91 734 CCC reference sample Type 2E THC 95 736 ZPGM reference sample THC 72 738 SPGM system Type 2A THC 93 740 SPGM system Type 2B THC 98 742

(79) In FIG. 7, conversion comparison bar 702, conversion comparison bar 716, and conversion comparison bar 730 illustrate NO.sub.X, CO, and THC conversions respectively, for the catalyst samples detailed in Table 2.

(80) In FIG. 7, as can be observed from each of the conversion comparison bars for the associated TWC systems, described in FIGS. 2 and 3, the SPGM systems Type 2A and SPGM systems Type 2B exhibit significant levels of catalytic conversion efficiency. SPGM system Type 2A exhibits 99% NO.sub.X conversion (bar 712), 97% CO conversion (bar 726), and 93% THC conversion (bar 740). SPGM system Type 2B exhibits 98% NO.sub.X conversion (bar 714), 97% CO conversion (bar 728), and 98% THC conversion (bar 742).

(81) When these conversion efficiencies are compared to results from other samples, it is observed that a characteristic selectivity for conversion of specific species of pollutants is obtained. This characteristic selectivity for conversion of specific species is also observed for ZPGM reference samples, as illustrated in bar 710 (exhibits a NO.sub.X conversion of 83%) and in bar 724 (exhibits a CO conversion of 98%).

(82) The standard PGM CCC reference samples Type 2E exhibit NO.sub.X conversion of 77%, CO conversion of 89%, and THC conversion of 95%, respectively, as illustrated in bar 708, bar 722, and bar 736 of FIG. 7.

(83) These significant conversion efficiencies confirm the cooperative behavior between the front spinel zone of CuMn spinel and the standard PGM CCC in the disclosed TWC system configurations. The thermal oscillating test confirms that SPGM system Type 2B can provide higher catalytic conversion efficiency than SPGM system Type 2A.

(84) FIG. 8 is a graphical representation illustrating a catalytic conversion efficiency comparison of NO.sub.X, CO, and THC conversions of an SPGM system resulting from isothermal oscillating testing of a third PGM loading of the standard PGM CCC as part of a plurality of SPGM catalyst configurations, according to an embodiment.

(85) In this embodiment, the plurality of system samples includes SPGM system samples Type 3A and Type 3B, CCC reference samples Type 3C, 3D, and 3E, and ZPGM reference samples, as detailed in Table 3 below.

(86) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 % NO.sub.X, CO, and THC conversions for each of the samples tested including PGM loadings of 20 g/ft.sup.3 Pd. % Associated Type of Sample Pollutant Conversion Element CCC reference sample Type 3C NO.sub.X 58 804 CCC reference sample Type 3D NO.sub.X 66 806 CCC reference sample Type 3E NO.sub.X 74 808 ZPGM reference sample NO.sub.X 83 810 SPGM system Type 3A NO.sub.X 85 812 SPGM system Type 3B NO.sub.X 97 814 CCC reference sample Type 3C CO 62 818 CCC reference sample Type 3D CO 70 820 CCC reference sample Type 3E CO 77 822 ZPGM reference sample CO 98 824 SPGM system Type 3A CO 94 826 SPGM system Type 3B CO 94 828 CCC reference sample Type 3C THC 87 832 CCC reference sample Type 3D THC 91 834 CCC reference sample Type 3E THC 95 836 ZPGM reference sample THC 72 838 SPGM system Type 3A THC 91 840 SPGM system Type 3B THC 98 842

(87) In FIG. 8, conversion comparison bar 802, conversion comparison bar 816, and conversion comparison bar 830 illustrate NO.sub.X, CO, and THC conversions respectively, for the catalyst samples detailed in Table 3.

(88) In FIG. 8, as can be observed from each of the conversion comparison bars for the associated TWC systems, described in FIGS. 2 and 3, the SPGM systems Type 3A and SPGM systems Type 3B exhibit significant levels of catalytic conversion efficiency. SPGM system Type 3A exhibits 85% NO.sub.X conversion (bar 812), 94% CO conversion (bar 826), and 91% THC conversion (bar 840). SPGM system Type 3B exhibits 97% NO.sub.X conversion (bar 814), 94% CO conversion (bar 828), and 98% THC conversion (bar 842).

(89) When these conversion efficiencies are compared to results from other samples, it is observed that a characteristic selectivity for conversion of specific species of pollutants is obtained. This characteristic selectivity for conversion of specific species is also observed for ZPGM reference samples, as illustrated in bar 810 (exhibits a NO.sub.X conversion of 83%) and in bar 824 (exhibits a CO conversion of 98%).

(90) The standard PGM CCC reference samples Type 3E exhibit NO.sub.X conversion of 74%, CO conversion of 77%, and THC conversion of 95%, respectively, as illustrated in bar 808, bar 822, and bar 836 of FIG. 8.

(91) These significant conversion efficiencies confirm the cooperative behavior between front spinel zone of CuMn spinel and the standard PGM CCC in the disclosed TWC system configurations. The thermal oscillating test confirms SPGM system Type 3B can provide higher catalytic conversion efficiency than SPGM system Type 3A.

(92) When all types of SPGM system samples are compared for catalytic conversion efficiency, in FIGS. 6-8 can be observed that the most significant system performance is provided by the SPGM systems Type 2A and Type 2B, followed by the SPGM systems Type 1A and Type 1B, and subsequently, the SPGM systems Type 3A and Type 3B. However, depending on design factors of an exhaust system, all the disclosed SPGM systems can be utilized for different TWC applications because of the significant conversion efficiencies that resulted from the TWC isothermal oscillating tests performed on the plurality of SPGM system samples.

(93) Depending on the desired level of conversion of the TWC system including the synergized PGM CCC configurations disclosed, the underfloor or clean-up PGM-based catalyst can be included as a component of the intended exhaust system. However, the enhanced and significant catalytic conversion efficiency of the disclosed SPGM system configurations and the provided attenuation of the A/F perturbations enable the removal of the conventional underfloor or clean-up PGM-based catalyst used in current TWC systems.

(94) FIG. 9 is a graphical representation illustrating lambda oscillation zones which characterize the catalytic conversion from conventional TWC systems and disclosed SPGM TWC systems, according to an embodiment.

(95) In FIG. 9, conversion curve 902 represents NO.sub.X conversion, conversion curve 904 represents for HC conversion, and conversion curve 906 represents CO conversion for a TWC system configuration, such as, for example the configuration of TWC system 100, as described in FIG. 1.

(96) In some embodiments, the system operates within A/F ratio lambda zone 910, where A/F perturbations are high as a result of the wide range of A/F ratio around the stoichiometric point marked by line 908. As observed in conversion curve 902, the catalytic performance in NO.sub.X conversion remains at about 100% conversion for lean conditions, at the R value range between about 0.96 and less than about 0.99. In these embodiments, the NO.sub.X conversion declines to about 40% or less for rich conditions at R values greater than about 1.005 close to stoichiometric to R values less than about 1.03.

(97) In FIG. 9, A/F ratio lambda zone 920 indicates the operation of disclosed SPGM TWC system configurations, as described in FIGS. 2 and 3. In this zone, catalytic performance in NO.sub.X conversion, HC conversion, and CO conversion is significantly high and stable, at R values very close to the stoichiometric point for both lean and rich conditions. The range of R values for operation within this zone is greater than about 0.99 and less than about 1.005. When the disclosed TWC system configuration operates within A/F ratio lambda zone 920, the systems provide attenuated A/F perturbations and thermal stability given the synergistic effects of the CuMn spinel in the front spinel zone and the cooperative behavior developed in conjunction with the standard PGM CCC.

(98) As observed in NO.sub.X conversion curve 902, HC conversion curve 904, and CO conversion curve 906, the operation of disclosed SPGM TWC systems within A/F ratio lambda zone 920 results in significantly high catalytic conversion efficiency. The high catalytic conversion efficiency is confirmed by results in FIGS. 6-8.

(99) The present disclosure confirms that PGM catalysts alone and ZPGM catalysts of binary spinel alone may not provide significantly high catalytic conversion efficiency as can be provided by the disclosed SPGM systems, which include a synergized standard PGM CCC with a front spinel zone. The disclosed SPGM systems for TWC applications are catalyst systems of significantly high catalytic conversion efficiency and attenuated A/F perturbations.

(100) While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed, other aspects and embodiments may be contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed here are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.