Catalyst conversion comparison efficiency from the use of transition metallic catalytic converters: A literature review

¹ Department of Automotive Engineering Technology, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Ketintang, Surabaya, 60231, Indonesia
² Department of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Technology, Universitas Sunan Gresik, Gresik, 61153, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: sudirmanariyanto@unesa.ac.id

Published online: 22 December 2025

Abstract

Exhaust emissions have a severe impact on human health and the environment. Emission control using catalytic converters is a smart solution to reduce the number of exhaust emissions. Currently, the catalytic converter most widely installed in motor vehicles is a three-way catalytic converter (TWC) made from precious metals. TWC can reduce CO and HC emissions by 98-99% and > 95%. However, due to the very high production costs, research is needed to find other alternative materials. This study focuses on catalytic converters made from transition metals. Data collection techniques are carried out by studying literature by prioritizing primary libraries. Data analysis using the Miles and Huberman model was carried out in four stages involving the process of data reduction, data display, data verification, and concluding. Experimental analysis based on the results of literature studies on catalytic converters such as copper, chrome, manganese, brass, nickel, and oxides from several metals have been carried out so far. The study results show that the use of transition metals can significantly reduce exhaust emissions starting from 16% -96.36% for CO and 32.54% -94.74% for HC. Mn-coated Cu catalytic converters can reduce CO and HC emissions by 96.36% and 94.74%, although this result still cannot defeat the ability of platinum-group metals (PGM).