Objective <p>This study employs numerical simulations to investigate how the structural configurations of collecting plates (flat vs. corrugated plates) affect the efficiency of wire-plate electrostatic precipitators (ESPs).</p> Methods <p>A coupled model was developed, integrating fluid dynamics, electric fields, and particle motion, with User-Defined Functions explicitly programmed to establish strong connections between these physical fields. The complex fluid dynamics within the ESP channel was captured using the <i>k</i>-<i>ε</i> turbulence model, considering the electric body forces computed from the finite volume solvers of electric field and ion charge. Furthermore, the trajectories of particles were simulated using the Lagrangian approach, considering particle size distribution and particle charging process.</p> Results <p>The corrugated plate optimize the ion charge distribution and intensify the electric field strength in ESPs, favoring particle charging and accelerating particle deposition, particularly for coarse particles. However, this also produces stronger electric wind, leading to the formation of distinct vortex structures in the corrugated channel, which hinder the deposition of fine particles near the walls. At low inlet velocities, the electric wind effect exacerbated the vortices, weakening the separation of fine particles. In comparison, the flat plate exhibited better performance in this regard.</p> Conclusion <p>These findings provide important theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the design and optimization of ESPs, especially improving the removal efficiency for particles of different sizes.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>