From exhaust to extraction: Evaluating car catalysts waste for a resilient economy

Spent Automotive Catalytic Converters (SACC) are comprised of a support (a honeycomb ceramic structure) coated with a catalytic layer, where Platinum Group Elements (PGE), especially Pt and Pd, facilitate oxidation and reduction reactions to reduce hazardous emissions from car engines. This study provided information about various measurement procedures and principles for characterising SACC, revealing that SACC can release Potentially Toxic Elements (PTE) under environmental conditions. The SACC samples used primarily contain cordierite and moissanite, likely distinguishable upon visual inspection of waste piles. Unlike geological samples, the SACCs samples, considered as a homogeneous matrix, exhibit major elements such as Al, Si, Mg, and Ba, with minor elements including P, Na, Ca, Fe, Ti, Ce, and Zr, posing challenges for geoanalysts and environmental managers. Sequential extraction demonstrated high concentrations of PGE in the residual phase, especially Pt, Pd, and Rh. All other fractions, oxidisable, reducible and exchangeable, showed significant analytical recoveries of PTE such as Zn, Cu, and other trace elements. Watering bulk samples resulted in exceeded reference thresholds, with high Cd, Ni, and Zn, identifying SACC as a potentially hazardous materials. Toxicity tests on three aquatic species (A. fischeri, R. subcapitata, and D. magna) indicated both acute and chronic effects, further highlighting the need for proper waste management. The characterisation approach suggested here can help define the most appropriate SACC treatment demonstrating economic profit and ecological benefits.