Controlling emissions of pollutants in urban areas

A summary of the catalytic control of carbon monoxide (CO), volatile hydrocarbons (either HCs or VOCs), oxides of nitrogen (NO_x) and total particulate matter (TPM) emissions from mobile and stationary sources is presented. The chapter begins with a brief introduction to the fundamental principles of heterogeneous catalysis. The three-way catalytic converter (TWC) and the electronic control system for controlling CO, HC and NO_x from gasoline-fueled engines is described. Controlling emissions from diesel engines with the introduction of the diesel soot filter for soot or TPM control is discussed. Two technologies for reduction of NO_x from diesel trucks (selective catalytic reduction) and passenger cars (lean NO_x traps) are described. Modifications of these technologies in use for emission control from stationary sources are described. The chapter ends with a look to sustainable technologies that may generate power without pollutants and with lower greenhouse gas emissions.