Self-Powered Disinfection Using Triboelectric, Conductive Wires of Metal–Organic Frameworks

Abstract

Efficient water disinfection is vitally needed in rural and disaster-stricken areas lacking power supplies. However, conventional water disinfection methods strongly rely on external chemical input and reliable electricity. Herein, we present a self-powered water disinfection system using synergistic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) assisted electroporation mechanisms driven by triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that harvest electricity from the flow of water. The flow-driven TENG, assisted by power management systems, generates a controlled output with aimed voltages to drive a conductive metal–organic framework nanowire array for effective H2O2 generation and electroporation. The injured bacteria caused by electroporation can be further damaged by facile diffused H2O2 molecules at high throughput. A self-powered disinfection prototype enables complete disinfection (>99.9999% removal) over a wide range of flows up to 3.0 × 104 L/(m2 h) with low water flow thresholds (200 mL/min; ∼20 rpm). This rapid, self-powered water disinfection method is promising for pathogen control.

Collaborative Optimization Design of Self-Powered Sterilizer with Highly Efficient Synergistic Antibacterial Effect

“…Previous studies have demonstrated that ROS play an important role in PEF sterilization. 16 Hence, H 2 O 2 was selected as a representative ROS to evaluate the effect of the collaborative optimization design on H 2 O 2 generation. Figure 3e illustrates the concentrations of H 2 O 2 at different times.…”

“…For both systems without the presence of argon, the antibacterial rate is close to but does not reach 100% after 40 min. Previous studies have demonstrated that ROS play an important role in PEF sterilization . Hence, H 2 O 2 was selected as a representative ROS to evaluate the effect of the collaborative optimization design on H 2 O 2 generation.…”

“…They further investigated this intriguing phenomenon and demonstrated that the electron transfer near the interface increases the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) of bacteria, resulting in the deformation of bacterial morphology and imparting sustainable antibacterial ability to the platform. Kim et al developed self-powered water treatment systems based on rotational TENG. , By combining localized electric fields and ROS generation, these water treatment systems can effectively inactivate viruses and pathogenic bacteria at high flow rates. In addition to the inactivation of bacteria and viruses, Liu et al demonstrated that TENG-based sterilization and disinfection systems are also effective for inactivating microalgae .…”

A Robust Pyro-phototronic Route to Markedly Enhanced Photocatalytic Disinfection

“…Pathogenic bacteria have the potential to initiate severe afflictions on public health, leading to widespread infectious diseases and even fatalities. − Therefore, it is paramount to develop viable technologies to prevent the spread of pathogenic bacteria and mitigate their harm to human beings. Various disinfection methods have been explored in this context, including antibiotics, chlorination, ozonation, ultraviolet light illumination, and microbial degradation. − Despite relentless efforts, attaining effective disinfection continues to be a formidable challenge, compounded by the emergence of increasingly pathogenic or resistant bacterial strains, the production of environmentally detrimental byproducts, substantial energy demands, and prohibitive costs of equipment. , Thus, there is an urgent need to develop environmentally friendly, feasible, and robust disinfection approaches.…”

Meta-Aerogel Electric Trap Enables Instant and Continuable Pathogen Killing in Face Masks

“…Electroporation-based disinfection technology, as a rapid and effective method, achieves millisecond inactivation owing to its disinfection mechanism, highlighting the superior features of high biocidal efficiency, broad-spectrum biocide, and continuous operation. , Consequently, this technology holds great promise as an exceptional candidate for constructing bioprotective equipment. However, the superior disinfection performances of this technology require the generation of a strong electric field (>10 6 V m –1 ), which relies on the utilization of a high driving voltage (>10 kV). , As a consequence, the practical implementation for daily availability of this technology is restrained by the need for heavy-duty and complex power supply equipment.…”