Which metal inactivates a catalytic converter?

Lead

Proper maintenance of automobiles along with use of lead-free petrol or diesel can reduce the pollutants they emit.

Catalytic converters, having expensive metals namely platinum-palladium and rhodium as the catalysts, are fitted into automobiles for reducing emission of poisonous gases.

As the exhaust passes through the catalytic converter, unburnt hydrocarbons are converted into carbon dioxide and water, and carbon monoxide and nitric oxide are changed to carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas, respectively.

Motor vehicles equipped with catalytic converter should use unleaded petrol because lead in the petrol inactivates the catalyst.