Additive manufacturing of monolithic catalyst for automotive applications

Additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing is a manufacturing technology where parts are made layer by layer. The AM technology has the capability to fabricate complex parts with short lead time. The aim of this project is to utilise the AM technology to manufacture novel catalyst for automotive applications. Numerical modelling approaches will be used to design a monolithic catalyst with optimum performance. The design criteria will include surface area, pressure drop and thermal reactions. The catalyst will be then fabricated from high temperature materials such as Inconel and ceramic using selective laser melting technology. The microstructure and mechanical/thermal properties of the fabricated catalyst will be investigated. Finally, the catalyst will be coated with active phases and tested for emission reduction and fuel reforming.