Carbon Nanotube Mask Filters and Their Hydrophobic Barrier and Hyperthermic Antiviral Effects on SARS-CoV-2

Sangsu Lee; Jeong-Seok Nam; Jiye Han; Qiang Zhang; Esko I Kauppinen; Il Jeon

doi:10.1021/acsanm.1c01386

Carbon Nanotube Mask Filters and Their Hydrophobic Barrier and Hyperthermic Antiviral Effects on SARS-CoV-2

ACS Appl Nano Mater. 2021 Jul 21;4(8):8135-8144. doi: 10.1021/acsanm.1c01386. eCollection 2021 Aug 27.

Authors

Sangsu Lee^{1

2}, Jeong-Seok Nam^{1

2}, Jiye Han^{1

2}, Qiang Zhang³, Esko I Kauppinen³, Il Jeon^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Chemistry Education, Graduate School of Chemical Materials, Crystal bank Institute, Pusan National University, 63-2 Busandaehak-ro, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea.
² Department of Nano Fusion Technology, Pusan National University, 63-2 Busandaehak-ro, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea.
³ Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University School of Science, Aalto FI-00076, Finland.

PMID: 37556284
DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.1c01386

Abstract

Carbon nanotube face mask filters have strong and uniform hydrophobicity, high durability, and high thermal conductivity and exhibit excellent barrier and antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2. The nanocarbon filter functions as a superior barrier compared to those in conventional masks owing to the stronger, more uniform, and more durable hydrophobic nature of the carbon nanotubes. A tightly knit carbon nanotube network has a pore size smaller than that of the average coronavirus; nevertheless, the breathability is equal to that of the conventional polypropylene filter. The exceptional thermal conductivity of carbon nanotubes transpires hyperthermic antiviral effects, which offers stronger protection against the virus, as well as reusability. The facile processability, low cost, and light weight of the aerosol-synthesized carbon nanotube filter warrants its viability, reinforcing the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.