| abstract |
A system for converting particulate matter in exhaust gases, which system comprises a stoichiometrically-operated engine and an exhaust system including a plasma generator for converting water vapor in the exhaust gases into an oxidant and a filter downstream of the plasma generator. A method for converting particulate matter (PM) in exhaust gases by using plasma-treated water vapor as an oxidant to convert PM trapped on a filter disposed in an exhaust system, and/or to oxidize NO and/or N 2 to NO 2 , in which water vapor, PM, NO and N 2 are present in the exhaust gases of a stoichiometrically-operated gasoline engine. The NO 2 is then used to combust the PM. Experimentally, the conversion of a gaseous hydrocarbon using a plasma with and without water vapor present can be followed using mass spectrometry. |