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Dual-monolith catalyst systems containing Pd/Rh three-way catalysts (TWCs) provide effective emission solutions for LEV2/Bin 5 and Bin 4 close-coupled applications at low PGM loadings. These systems combine washcoat technology and PGM distribution for front and rear catalysts resulting in optimal hydrocarbon and NOx light-off and transient NOx control. The dual-catalyst [Pd/Rh + Pd/Rh] systems are characterized as a function of Pd-Rh content, PGM location, and catalyst technology for 4-cyl [close-coupled + underfloor] systems and 6-cyl close-coupled applications. The current Pd/Rh dual-catalyst converters significantly reduce NOx emissions compared to earlier [Pd + Pt/Rh] or [Pd + Pd/Rh] LEV/ULEV systems by utilizing uniform Rh distribution and new OSC materials. These new design strategies particularly impact NOx performance, especially during transient A/F excursions.

Dual-brick catalyst systems containing Pd-only catalysts followed by Pt/Rh three-way catalysts (TWCs) provide an effective strategy for managing Pt, Pd and Rh precious metal inventories while achieving LEV/ULEV emission standards. Engine aged dual-brick converters containing front Pd catalysts followed by rear Pd/Rh or Pt/Rh TWCs demonstrated LEV emission levels in an underfloor location on a TLEV calibrated 3.8L vehicle, and achieved ULEV emissions with air addition. Using identical advanced washcoat formulations stabilized with ceria-zirconia promoters, single-brick Pt/Rh TWCs demonstrated equivalent performance to Pd/Rh TWCs after thermally severe aging, and dual-brick [Pd + Pt/Rh] systems also had equivalent performance to [Pd + Pd/Rh] catalyst systems. While a Pd-only system also achieved 100K mi equivalent LEV emissions, both dual-brick options lowered emissions further using substantially lower loadings and more balanced precious metal usage.