Here is how the catalytic combustor works in a wood burning appliance.

^{Wood smoke gases coming in contact with the combustor will cause a chemical change to take place. This will then allow smoke to ignite at temperatures around 500 degrees F. (260 degrees C.)  This temperature is easily achieved in the firebox of a wood burning stove.  As the wood gases ignite and burn within the combustor, clean by-products of water vapor and carbon dioxide are emitted.}