Current tasks and challenges for exhaust aftertreatment research. A viewpoint from the automotive industry

Automotive emission control through modem engine design and active exhaust gas aftertreatment has reached a very high technological level. This led to a considerable decrease of exhaust emissions from automobiles in the last years, despite continuous increase of vehicle numbers and kilometres travel led. Nevertheless, a number of challenges for scientists and engineers rema in, to develop further improved catalyst materials and exhaust aftertreatme nt systems. The paper describes the state of the art of exhaust aftertreatm ent and the major technological paths that will be followed in further deve lopment. It concentrates mainly on aftertreatment systems to achieve near z ero emissions for vehicles in especially emissions sensitive regions and on exhaust aftertreatment technologies for lean burn engines, with a special emphasis on nitrogen oxides and particulates. These engines and therefore t hese aftertreatment systems will be mandatory to fulfil the requirements on CO2 reduction.