An In Situ Design/Analysis Method of Antimicrobial Effect Using Nano TiO2 for Disinfecting COVID-Affected Places

ABSTRACT

A new airborne transmittable disease, coronavirus (COVID-19), was discovered by China in late December 2019. The virus is spread by direct contact with infected people's respiratory droplets (from coughing and sneezing) and virus-infected surfaces. COVID-19 can survive for hours on surfaces, but disinfectants can kill it. Pathogens have evolved and become resistant to conventional drugs and disinfectants. This proposed new approach using TiO2 for infectious diseases is needed to outwit these cunning saboteurs. Nanotechnology creates a unique way to modify material at the level of atoms and particles. Nanotechnology has enabled self-cleaning surfaces based on the advanced oxidation process (AOP). The outside is coated with a thin layer of nanosized TiO2 (titanium dioxide) photocatalyst. UV rays stimulate nano TiO2 and initiate AOP. The process reactions lead to the formation of oxygen vacancies in surface-bound water particle surfaces. Because of copper doping (1 % Weight of copper and 0.5 % Weight of copper), the bandgap is minimized and excitation occurs at visible light. Consequently, these photocatalyst surfaces have changed properties. Microorganisms are inactivated, excess toxins are degraded, and pollutants are removed. Toilet seats, floors, hospitals, homes, airports, railways, and road terminals can all be coated with TiO2. Microorganisms can be killed by TiO2coated or TiO2 doped with copper. These purify the air in hospitals. They can also be used to kill microorganisms on road pavements. They can also be used to coat intravenous masks and catheters to stop COVID-19. © 2022 by ASTM International