Hyundai and Kia Motors, South Korea’s two biggest auto manufacturers, succeeded in developing a catalyst that can withstand heat of up to 900 degrees Celsius, the firm said Monday.

“The latest research is meaningful in that we can now spearhead the transformation of the internal combustion engine to an eco-friendly one with self-developed air purification technology,” a company official said.

The local automakers and a team of researchers led by professor Hong Suk-bong at Pohang University of Science and Technology jointly developed the Cu-LTA catalyst to be used by the selective catalytic reduction device in diesel vehicles.

The devices reduces harmful emissions by converting nitrogen oxides into water and nitrogen, the auto maker said.

“The Cu-LTA can withstand heat that is 150 degree Celsius higher than the previous catalyst,” Hyundai, Kia Motors highlighted in a statement.

The company claims the improved performance of the catalyst is the best on the market so far, as it ensures safety at all temperature ranges in diesel car engines.

When commercialized, the Cu-LTA is widely expected to expand the use of the engine and enhance fuel efficiency, it added.

The firm can also reduce money spent on the current catalyst, which is expensive, and cash in on royalty fees for the new material.

The research team is in the process of applying for patents worldwide.

It plans to continue research on commercialization of the technology with related academia and industry officials.

Angewandte Chemie, one of the world’s top chemistry publications, introduced the latest research through its online journal.

By Kim Bo-gyung (lisakim425@heraldcorp.com)