Air-Purifying Car Captures Fine Dust While Driving... Removes 95% of Ultrafine Particles at 30 km/h [Reading Science]

KIMM Validates Air Purification Technology on Carnival and Sonata Vehicles
Captures Brake Dust Immediately Upon Generation...Less Than 1% Impact on Fuel Efficiency

A new technology has been developed that allows vehicles to remove fine dust from the air as they drive and capture brake dust before it is released into the atmosphere. This system collects dust without the need for a separate high-power blower, instead utilizing airflow entering from the front of the vehicle and electricity generated naturally during brake friction.

On September 28, the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials announced that a research team led by Bangwoo Han, Head of the Urban Environment Research Laboratory, has developed air-purifying automotive technology that simultaneously reduces roadside fine dust and brake wear dust while driving. The research team validated the system's performance using Carnival and Sonata vehicles.

Caliper-type dust collector capturing brake wear dust. Provided by the research team

The air-purifying vehicle is equipped with a ‘front grille-type dust collection device,’ a ‘caliper-type dust collection device’ positioned near the brakes, and utilizes wireless power transfer technology, which enables air purification even while parked.

Unlike conventional air purifiers that use dense filters to capture particles, the front grille dust collection device gives fine dust particles an electric charge and then attaches them to collecting plates using electrical forces. The principle is similar to how static electricity attracts dust from the air.

The research team used carbon fibers far thinner than a human hair as the discharge electrodes for charging fine dust. This allows dust to be managed with minimal current and also minimizes ozone generation during the electrostatic collection process.

In particular, the system harnesses incoming airflow produced by the moving vehicle—so-called “driving wind”—removing the need for a high-power blower. Performance evaluations demonstrated that at 30 km/h, the device removed over 95% of ultrafine particles (PM2.5), and over 99% of particles larger than PM2.5 but smaller than PM10. The device showed similar performance at 50 km/h. One vehicle can purify approximately 1,800 m³ of air per hour.

For both Carnival and Sonata models, the difference in fuel efficiency before and after installing the device was less than 1%. In parking lots equipped with wireless power supply facilities, the car's existing radiator fan can be used to continue purifying air even while stationary.

Front grille-type dust collection device for removing fine dust in urban areas. Provided by the research team

Capturing Brake Dust at the Moment It is Generated

The research team also developed technology to reduce brake dust generated directly by the vehicle. When the brake pads and discs rub together, they produce fine wear particles. This type of “non-exhaust fine dust” is also generated from the brakes and tires of electric and hydrogen vehicles.

The team leveraged the fact that brake wear particles naturally acquire an electric charge during pad-disc friction. By installing a dust collection device behind the wheel’s brake caliper, the device can capture wear dust using electrical forces—without needing additional electric charging or a fan to suck up particles.

According to tests using the World Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC), the system collected 22.2 mg of brake wear dust per kilometer per vehicle. Over a distance of 450 km, this amounts to about 10 grams.

Regulations on non-exhaust particulate matter from brakes and tires are being strengthened worldwide. The new ‘Euro 7’ automotive environmental standard from the European Union adds brake particle emission limits to existing exhaust regulations. Because the research team’s system utilizes existing vehicle space and components to minimize structural changes and additional electricity use, it is expected to become a practical technology for meeting regulatory requirements.

The research team led by Bangwoo Han, Head of the Urban Environment Research Lab at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, who developed a cooperative air-purifying vehicle to respond to fine dust in the atmosphere (center). Courtesy of the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials

Bangwoo Han, Head of the Urban Environment Research Laboratory, said, “The key feature is that as the vehicle moves it can purify roadside fine dust and reduce brake dust right where it is generated. We plan to expand the application of this air purification technology to help improve urban air quality.”

Senior researcher Lee Gunhee stated, “By utilizing the vehicle’s existing design and the natural airflow generated during driving, we have minimized any additional power consumption. Going forward, we will verify its performance and durability under real-road conditions to further refine the technology.”

The research findings have been published in international journals such as ‘Tribology International’ and ‘Atmosphere.’ The team has also filed patents on the technology in Korea, the United States, Germany, and other countries.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.