Efficiency of the Vehicle Cabin Air Filters for Removing Black Carbon Particles and BTEX from the Air Intake

A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate 11 vehicular cabin filters (including electrostatic filters) in removing fine particles. Two with charcoal were also evaluated understand their usefulness five common volatile organic compounds, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene isomers (BTEX). Filters found show considerably different particle filtration efficiencies (FE). Electrostatic provide 20–60% better FE across all diameters (6–520 nm). For 6 nm particles, from 78 94% observed (from the worst best filters), while at 520 nm, varied 35 60%. The group of provided 44–46% for capturing most penetrating particles (100–300 nm), only 10–11% FE. behavior nominal typically stable (with respect number, black carbon, particulate matter mass) over course 1–2 years usage. benefits significant, but such advantages gradually dissipate about 1 year; by then, filter becomes no compared a terms behavior. Charcoal showed variabilities BTEX, removal 41%.