Catalytic converters control carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and nitrogen oxide emissions for a broad spectrum of fuels, including gasoline, diesel, propane, and natural gas. Since the device was first required for all U.S. passenger cars in the mid-1970s, it has reduced pollution by more than 10 billion tons, and is now used in all types of passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as non-road engines, such as construction machinery and lawn equipment.<\/p>\n
Guo and Gao\u2019s invention improves upon standard catalytic converters by reducing the amount of precious metals, such as platinum, rhodium, and\/or palladium, that coat acres of surface area of a honeycomb ceramic core to create a chemical reaction converting noxious emissions into more environmentally friendly products. Using their patented process, high-efficiency nano-catalysts are fabricated within the converter device, improving low-temperature performance, increasing the lifetime of the converter, and potentially decreasing the price of the converter by up to 30 percent by reducing the use of precious metals.<\/p>\n \u201cEmissions standards are only getting more and more rigorous and stringent, so in this case, \u2018building a better mousetrap\u2019 has a significant impact on the industry as well as the environment,\u201d says Gao,\u00a0the team’s ‘academic lead.’ \u201cOur technology improves energy efficiency in industrial processes, reduces the use of precious metals that are in limited supply, and cuts down toxic emissions to improve human and environmental health. This is a game changer.\u201d<\/p>\n Along with engineering this \u201cgame changer,\u201d Guo and Gao are currently working to commercialize the technology through their startup, 3D Array Technologies<\/a>. The duo have already benefited from other university entrepreneurship programs, including the School of Engineering Third Bridge grant<\/a> and the Technology Incubation Program<\/a>. The duo decided to take advantage of a new University program \u2013 Accelerate UConn \u2013 that helps move innovations from the lab to the market.<\/p>\n Guo and Gao had previous business experience and successes, such as receiving Small Business Innovation Research funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in September 2015. \u201cBut along with a $3,000 seed award, Accelerate UConn offered us support that went beyond funding,\u201d says Guo. “We received really unique educational programming from experts in entrepreneurship, and were put in touch with incredibly knowledgeable industry contacts. I can say with 100 percent certainty that Accelerate UConn made me a better entrepreneur.\u201d<\/p>\n I can say with 100 percent certainty that Accelerate UConn made me a better entrepreneur. — Yanbing Guo<\/p><\/blockquote>\n![\"Industry](\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Guo151221b007-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/a>