As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, masks are becoming required to control transmission rates. There are several negative aspects of mask use that are being noted. Firstly, the environmental impact of disposable masks composed of polypropylene plastic microfibers is alarming. There is also an issue of the trapped pathogens that are caught in the microfibers are not destroyed, and pose a risk of contamination.
According to László Forró, head of EPFL's Laboratory of Physics of Complex Matter, he says, “In a hospital setting, these masks are placed in special bins and handled appropriately". He continues, “However, their use in the wider world - where they are tossed into open waste bins and even left on the street - can turn them into new sources of contamination."
Forró's lab is working on a membrane comprised of titanium oxide nanowires, which holds antibacterial and antiviral properties. Using photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide, ultraviolet radiation converts moisture into oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide.
"Since our filter is exceptionally good at absorbing moisture, it can trap droplets that carry viruses and bacteria," says Forró. "This creates a favorable environment for the oxidation process, which is triggered by light."
Their research is in the journal, Advanced Functional Materials. The researchers suggest, although not proven experimentally yet, this process would be applicable to a range of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.