How much is your catalyst?

Every day we have to answer the same question:
"How much does this catalyst cost?"

A number of factors affect the cost of a catalyst:

  1. The value of a catalytic converter depends on the vehicle specification and the market it was originally built for. Vehicles produced to meet stricter emissions standards (e.g., many European specifications) typically contain a higher loading of precious metals. Versions built for markets with less stringent requirements may contain less active material.
  2. In general, higher-class vehicles tend to have higher-value catalysts. Premium models and larger or more demanding engines often require more efficient catalysts to meet emissions targets.
  3. Age and mileage matter. Over time, thermal cycles, contamination, and wear can reduce the effective precious-metal content and performance of the catalyst. As a rough illustration, materials exposed to years of heavy friction and heat (for example, road surfaces on busy highways) can show significantly reduced surface concentrations compared to new material.
  4. Driving style can accelerate wear. Frequent high-temperature operation, aggressive driving, misfires, or oil consumption can “deplete” a catalyst faster. Removing the catalyst may slightly increase power, but the vehicle will not pass inspection and it is illegal for road use.
  5. Fuel quality and additives. Poor-quality fuel and certain additives or contaminants can poison the catalyst and reduce its efficiency, which also affects value.
  6. Catalysts contain different precious-metal mixes. Common combinations include platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and rhodium (Rh) in different ratios depending on the vehicle type and emissions system:
  • Pt, Pd + Rh - "classic" and the oldest type of catalysts. Average content per one ton of ceramics (ppm): Pt - 1470, Pd - 900, Rh - 270. Today, it is already an “endangered” species.
    Average price for this category: €60–€80/kg.
  • Pt + Rh - usually catalysts from diesel or premium cars.
    There is no palladium in such catalysts, but platinum is in the order of 2500-5500 ppm. The cost of this category of catalysts is €80–€160/kg.
  • Pd + Rh - No platinum, but palladium of the order of 3000-5500 ppm. Even 10 years ago, such catalysts make up about 40% of the total amount of modern catalysts, but with a sharp increase in palladium, manufacturers are increasingly producing catalysts with platinum.
    Average price: €80–€260/kg..

From the above, we can conclude – it is impossible to determine the cost of a catalyst without analysis!
Buying and selling catalysts by eye or from catalogs is a risk for both the buyer and the seller.

Companies that buy catalysts "by eye", having no opportunity to buy equipment for analysis, try to buy catalysts at the lowest price in their category.