Development of nanotechnology based hybrid air cleaning system towards green transport

The research aims at reducing multiple traffic related air pollutants in semi-confined Hong Kong's Public Transport Interchanges (PTI), without influencing traffic flow or modification of original infrastructures.

This project develops a nanotechnology-based hybrid regenerable air cleaning system (RACS) by adapting advanced technologies such as active sampling system, green energy, novel air cleaning modules designed by the PolyU team. The as-designed RACS will be applied to remove traffic-related emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), fine suspended particulates (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOC), and ozone (O3) in selected PTI in Hong Kong.

The well-designed RACS is portable and  could be tailored to various micro urban environments. It will first conduct field test at selected PTI in Hong Kong, and then expand for potential application in areas with dense traffic emissions such as closed street canyons, train stations, runways, customs ports, car parks, taxi stands, tunnel, airport, etc.

The expected deliverables of this 24-months project will enable efficient mitigation of traffic-related air pollution, supporting the Hong Kong Government to realise green transportation and create a more liveable environment under the Hong Kong Clean Air Plan 2035.

The Green Tech Fund approved a HK$5.56 million grant to this project.

(The Government set up the Green Tech Fund (GTF) in 2020 to fund research and development (R&D) projects which help Hong Kong decarbonise and enhance environmental protection. The assessment committee is chaired by the Director of Environmental Protection and comprises members from academia, industry and green groups.)