In situ Regeneration of Cabin Air Filters for Vehicles

Purpose

This project aims to develop conductive air filters that enable in situ carbon regeneration and disinfection of cabin filters through resistive heating. In doing so, the operational lifetime of the filters can be extended, reducing both waste and emissions associated with filter replacement.

Function

The cabin air filter is an important vehicle component that enhances comfort and safety by capturing particles and adsorbing gaseous pollutants, but it is typically replaced annually, generating significant amounts of waste. Carbon regeneration can extend filter lifespan, and both industrial practice and research show that thermal treatment at lower temperatures can remove a substantial portion of VOCs while simultaneously inactivating microbes and reducing the need for chemical antimicrobial agents.

Target

The project aims to develop conductive fibres for resistive heating within the filter, enabling in situ regeneration and disinfection. By functionalising polymer fibres with graphene oxide, which becomes electrically conductive once reduced, non‑woven filter materials can be efficiently heated, and RISE has already developed scalable processes for rGO (reduced graphene oxide) coating suitable for automotive cabin filters.

Partners

RISE coordinates and leads the project, bringing together the car manufacturer Volvo Cars, the air filter manufacturer Camfil, and LayerOne, which develops advanced graphene materials.