A Self‐Purifying Smart Mask Integrated With Metal–Organic Framework Membranes and Flexible Circuits

Abstract

of electrostatic absorption, the masks can effectively prevent respiratory droplets and airborne bacteria. To maintain the protective effect of masks, both the World Health Organization and the National Health Commission of China recommend the maximum duration of the surgical masks to be 2-6 h by considering factors such as hygiene, damage, breathing resistance, and total mass filter loading. [1,2] The extended usage of masks in daily activities and the need for frequent replacement of masks have yielded more than 1500 billion wasted masks in 2020 alone. [3,4] These obsoleted masks have become major biohazards for hosting and transporting viruses and contaminating water and soil. Mechanisms such as inherent antibacterial properties, [5] photocatalytic effect, [6] and photothermal effect [7] may be used to eliminate attached pathogens while maintaining the electrostatic absorption and physical barrier properties of masks, resulting in a reduced need for frequent replacement of the masks.Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) possess unique characteristics [8] such as large surface areas, high porosity, angstrom-sized windows, and excellent biocompatibility, showing promising applications in water purification, [9,10] heterogeneous catalyzes, [11] and drug delivery. [12] MOFs have also been considered novel antibacterial agents [6] and gas adsorbents. [13] Free ions of Ag, Cu, Ni, or Zn released continuously from the metallic clusters of MOFs have been demonstrated to possess a long-lasting antibacterial effect. [6,14,15] Organic ligands such as imidazoles, polysaccharides, and porphyrins can restrain bacterial activity due to oxidative stress reactions. [16,17] Among the MOFs with antibacterial capability, ZIF-8 has been demonstrated with more than 99.99% photocatalytic killing efficiency in 30 min and 97% particulate matter (PM) filtration efficiency. [6] It has also exhibited a photocatalytic effect that led to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) capable of killing pathogens and decomposing total volatile organic compounds (TVOC). Even so, the improved prevention and disinfection effect by jointly considering the slow releasing of metal ions, organic ligands, and photocatalysis still demands further investigation. The unique capability of ZIF-8 in PM removal, bacterial disinfection, and TVOC decomposition suggests that it can be an excellent alternative to conventional melt-blown non-woven fabrics used as filtration membranes in Masks are essential personal protective equipment during pandemics. Conventional masks that act as physical barriers due to size-dependence filtration and electrostatic absorption may quickly lose their protection effectiveness due to surface degradation, generating massive obsoleted masks and ecological contamination. Here, a self-purifying smart mask that combines active protection to airborne particles and hazardous gases while conducting real-time monitoring is developed. Electrospun ZIF-8/polyacrylonitrile membranes are used to replace melt-blown non-woven fabrics without addit...

Fabrication of Poly(Lactic Acid)@TiO2 Electrospun Membrane Decorated with Metal–Organic Frameworks for Efficient Air Filtration and Bacteriostasis

“…Once used, these materials can only be incinerated or disposed of in landfills, creating an environmental burden [22]. As a result, there is a growing concern for the development and production of environmentally friendly nonwoven filtration materials [23,24]. PLA is a common biodegradable material that decomposes into carbon dioxide and water through the action of microorganisms in natural environments.…”

Polyurethane-Based T-ZIF-8 Nanofibers as Photocatalytic Antibacterial Materials

“…Shariatinia et al 15 also prepared ZIF-8 nanocomposite fibers employing a prefinishing blended electrospinning method. Huang et al 16 spun a ZIF-8/polyacrylonitrile fiber film by a solution blending method, which can be used to replace a nonwoven fabric as a new self-cleaning intelligent mask. Xie et al 17 mixed ZIF-8 with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and prepared a ZIF-8/PAN fiber film by electrospinning technology.…”

An ultrafine spider-like carbon nanonet for high performance air filters, health monitoring sensors, and green energy generators

“…10 Face masks can serve as effective air lters, protecting against the inhalation of PMs and viruscontaining aerosols. 11,12 Therefore, wearing face masks is the most straightforward and effective protective measure in combating both haze pollution and COVID-19 infection.…”

“…At present, most commercially available face masks are disposable and face challenges in reuse or recycling, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the large number of discarded face masks not only adversely affected the human ecosystem but also hindered sustainable development. 7,12,30 Therefore, the act of reusing discarded face masks is of particular importance. Additionally, with the rapid development of society and the economy, energy demand has increased dramatically, and there is an urgent need to develop clean and renewable sources of energy.…”