Advanced catalyst developer Nanostellar has completed the commercialisa- tion of a gold-based catalyst, NS Gold, which is now in production at one of the four largest European diesel car manufacturers.

Catalytic converters in cars and trucks use precious metals, such as platinum, to catalyse the oxidation of harmful by-products in the engine exhaust, and thereby reduce noxious emissions. The potential to use gold in this type of application has long been considered by the industry, but until the breakthrough of Nanostellar, based in Silicon Valley, California, the technical challenges concerning catalyst durability prevented its use.

The World Gold Council (WGC) has provided additional investment, which will help the company to accelerate wider commercial adoption of NS Gold.
“The inclusion of gold in this technology provides significant benefits for diesel vehicle manufacturers, providing emissions reduc- tions of up to 30%, manufacturing cost reductions, or improved fuel economy,” says WGC director for technology Dr Richard Holliday.

He adds that this is one of the most advanced and exciting applications of gold in technology, with the potential to implement stricter legislation on reductions in engine emissions cost effectively, while broadening the technological uses for gold.

“We look forward to continuing our strategic partnership with this cutting-edge, innovative company and sharing our expertise to help spur further progress in other technologies,” Holliday states.

Meanwhile, Nanostellar CEO Pankaj Dhingra says that the company welcomes the continued support of the WGC. The performance benefits, durability and manufacturability of NS Gold-based diesel oxidation catalysts have now been proven, he says.

Further, he adds that the application of Nanostellar’s materials design process, known as rational design, has provided the company with a pipeline of new materials that are under- going durability tests. “The World Gold Council’s continued support puts Nanostellar in a stronger position to accelerate the adoption of the NS Gold catalyst beyond our lead customers,” Dhingra says.

Following rigorous performance and durability testing, the NS Gold catalyst has proven to be fully compliant with the current European vehicle emissions standard, Euro-5.

Nanostellar also used its rational design methodology to develop the next generation of diesel catalysts to assist automotive and truck original-equipment manufacturers in complying with the more stringent Euro-6 emissions standards that come into effect in 2014.

“Initial evaluations indicate that these catalysts may allow for enhanced engine performance, while providing an additional 25% reduction in precious metal costs,” says Dhingra.

Nanostellar was recognised by the World Economic Forum as a Technology Pioneer in 2008, and has been supported in its commercial application by the WGC.