A Better Catalytic Converter (IMAGE) Washington State University Caption Researchers at WSU, PNNL and the University of New Mexico have developed a better catalyst for catalytic converters that change vehicle pollutants to relatively benign forms of nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water. The catalyst, which uses single atoms of platinum on a cerium oxide surface, is stable at the high exhaust temperatures of a working engine but is active at the lower "cold-start" temperatures of today's more efficient engines. Credit Cortland Johnson, PNNL Usage Restrictions Please credit. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.