If someone can invent a replacement for catalytic converters using rare metals....

[TiMSport]

Maybe they'd become very rich. I'm no materials scientist or chemist but I know many of us have heard about the big spikes in catalytic converter thefts. Never paid that much attention to it until seeing an article that described the rare metals used in these parts and their current market value.

Rhodium fetches well over $20,000 an ounce ($27k in March)
Palladium is nearly $3,000 an ounce

The notion these metals are much more valuable than gold and even platinum is mind boggling. It's no wonder people are getting their cats torn out of their vehicles.

My original point in the title of this thread was how great it would be if someone could invent a device that could work as effectively w/o use of these exorbitantly priced rare metals. Before anyone says just buy an EV, I'd like to keep it focused on ICE vehicles.

[vreihen16]

Why not use pee in a jug, like modern diesels use for exhaust treatment?????

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by vreihen16

Why not pee in a jug?????

Don't mind if I do

[upstatedoc]

Originally Posted by Chihuahua

Don't mind if I do

I've done this

[TiMSport]

Pee is certainly cheaper than those metals.

[nick46]

My original point in the title of this thread was how great it would be if someone could invent a device that could work as effectively w/o use of these exorbitantly priced rare metals. Before anyone says just buy an EV, I'd like to keep it focused on ICE vehicles. [/QUOTE]

I maybe wrong but I believe not all cats have got exotic materials in them. I used to have a 2007 Mk2 Focus ST - the one with the 2.5 volvo 5 cylinder engine, and I replaced the original cat with a sports cat. Thought I might get a fair bit for the original but was only offered £20 when I took it to the scrappy. Decided not to take the offer and did a bit of research and found it was worth fuck all. Sold it on ebay for £50.

[stevenc]

All real catalytic converters have precious metals in them. The precious metals are the "catalysts" which aid in the chemical reaction but do not get consumed themselves in the chemical reaction.

Rhodium is a by-product of platinum mining and VERY RARE and platinum mining has all but collapsed in South Africa resulting in the massive surge in Rhodium prices.

[dscabra]

Catalytic converters will likly be a distant memory in the next decade.

[TiMSport]

Originally Posted by dscabra

Catalytic converters will likly be a distant memory in the next decade.

Due to electrification?

[dscabra]

Originally Posted by TiMSport

Due to electrification?

Yes, exactly. Manufacturers are already ending development of gas engines, Audi for example.

[Tommy-G]

Best option is have a low car that thieves cant get under unlike a truck or SUV

[dscabra]

I just looked, and Audi, Daimler, VW, Toyota, GM, Jaguar, Volvo, and maybe more have all announced the end of their development of any new gas/diesel engines. It will take another decade or two after that and I'd bet you may not be able to buy fuel anymore.

[TiMSport]

Yeah multiple car manufacturers have announced they will eventually phase out ICE vehicles. Enjoy them while you can!

However, knowing the US and how strong the oil industry is, I'm not going to hold my breath. Americans still love their F-150 pickups and other giant SUVs. We shall see.

BTW, I wonder what thieves will do in lieu of stealing the cats. Battery packs? Lol.

[Humdizzle]

its not like companies haven't thrown millions into researching this... no one has found a way to make a better/safer chemical reaction occur in the hot exhaust environment. the metals are just a catalyst. the fact that we need rare metal to accomplish it is just a costly coincidence.

running straight 100% ethanol would work (it only puts out co2, water, o2). but it gums up in low temps and is not as efficient as gasoline (you'd need to triple your tank size to get the same range).

[TiMSport]

Yes, hence my original post.

[vreihen16]

Google "hydrogen economy" for an alternative path.....




.

[iminhell1]

Originally Posted by Humdizzle

its not like companies haven't thrown millions into researching this... no one has found a way to make a better/safer chemical reaction occur in the hot exhaust environment. the metals are just a catalyst. the fact that we need rare metal to accomplish it is just a costly coincidence.

running straight 100% ethanol would work (it only puts out co2, water, o2). but it gums up in low temps and is not as efficient as gasoline (you'd need to triple your tank size to get the same range).

The Ethanol problem is the same as the Gasoline problem, but worse at times. Ethanol puts out more CO2 than Gasoline. Which isn't desirable. In cold climates the added water vapor contributes to black ice (MN State vehicles have stopped use of E85 for this exact reason).
There is only 1 good alternative, mass transit.

[Darth One]

My plan is to steal 10,000 catalytic converters and use the rare minerals in them to make an exhaust for my car that’s 100% palladium

[TiMSport]

Originally Posted by Darth One

My plan is to steal 10,000 catalytic converters and use the rare minerals in them to make an exhaust for my car that’s 100% palladium

Nice! If you have any left over from that, let me know.

[iminhell1]

Originally Posted by Darth One

My plan is to steal 10,000 catalytic converters and use the rare minerals in them to make an exhaust for my car that’s 100% palladium

For easy pickin's, travel to Texas.
I've been told that's where all of them go. And from there they go over the boarder into Mexico to the actual plants that break them up and down into the various metals. Emissions laws are far looser there.