Sustainable Antibacterial and Antiviral High-Performance Copper-Coated Filter Produced via Ion Beam Treatment

Abstract

With the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), disease prevention has become incredibly important. Consequently, mask and air-purifier use has increased. The filter is the core component of these items. However, most filter materials lack antimicrobial properties. Copper is a sustainable antimicrobial material. When copper is deposited onto the filter’s surface, the microorganisms that come into contact with it can be effectively inactivated. In this study, we used an oxygen ion beam with a controlled process temperature to treat filter surfaces with copper. This enabled a strong adhesion of at least 4 N/cm between the copper and the filter fibers without damaging them. Upon exposing the filter to bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4352, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853) for one hour, a >99.99% removal rate was attained; when the filter was exposed to SARS-CoV-2 virus for one hour, it inactivated more than 99%. These beneficial properties minimize the risk of secondary infections, which are significantly more likely to occur when a conventional filter is replaced or removed.

Disinfection and decontamination in the context of SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific data

“…Additives to plastics, metals, ceramics, and other surfaces have shown antiviral efficacy to the extent that these surfaces may have inhibitory effects after initial viral deposition. Several copper‐based products have especially attracted attention 118–131 . Some of the latter surfaces have included protective gear 121,129 .…”

“…Several copper‐based products have especially attracted attention. 118 , 119 , 120 , 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 , 125 , 126 , 127 , 128 , 129 , 130 , 131 Some of the latter surfaces have included protective gear. 121 , 129 It is not clear how much other foreign substances may interfere with antiviral efficacy on these coated surfaces.…”

Polyimide Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge for Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 Trapped in a Polypropylene Melt-Blown Filter

“… 11 Copper-coated poly(ethylene terephthalate) filters effectively trapped aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 and inactivated it by 99% within 30 min. 9 Polymer membrane filters are easily applied to indoor air conditioners. However, the antiviral ability could be decreased by accumulating dust on the filter surface and covering the antiviral copper layer.…”

“…Antiviral membrane filters, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and photocatalysts have been applied to air conditioners . A representative antiviral membrane filter is a copper-coated filter. , Copper ions oxidize viruses and reduce infectivity . Copper-coated poly­(ethylene terephthalate) filters effectively trapped aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 and inactivated it by 99% within 30 min .…”

“…A representative antiviral membrane filter is a copper-coated filter. , Copper ions oxidize viruses and reduce infectivity . Copper-coated poly­(ethylene terephthalate) filters effectively trapped aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 and inactivated it by 99% within 30 min . Polymer membrane filters are easily applied to indoor air conditioners.…”