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Download fileReusable and Recyclable Graphene Masks with Outstanding Superhydrophobic and Photothermal Performances
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posted on 24.04.2020, 15:03 authored by Hong Zhong, Zhaoran Zhu, Jing Lin, Chi Fai Cheung, Vivien L. Lu, Feng Yan, Ching-Yuen Chan, Guijun LiThe
2019 coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) is affecting over 210
countries and territories, and it is spreading mainly by respiratory
droplets. The use of disposable surgical masks is common for patients,
doctors, and even the general public in highly risky areas. However,
the current surgical masks cannot self-sterilize in order to reuse
or be recycled for other applications. The resulting high economic
and environmental costs are further damaging societies worldwide.
Herein, we reported a unique method for functionalizing commercially
available surgical masks with outstanding self-cleaning and photothermal
properties. A dual-mode laser-induced forward transfer method was
developed for depositing few-layer graphene onto low-melting temperature
nonwoven masks. Superhydrophobic states were observed on the treated
masks’ surfaces, which can cause the incoming aqueous droplets
to bounce off. Under sunlight illumination, the surface temperature
of the functional mask can quickly increase to over 80 °C, making
the masks reusable after sunlight sterilization. In addition, this
graphene-coated mask can be recycled directly for use in solar-driven
desalination with outstanding salt-rejection performance for long-term
use. These roll-to-roll production-line-compatible masks can provide
us with better protection against this severe virus. The environment
can also benefit from the direct recycling of these masks, which can
be used for desalinating seawater.
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few-layer graphenetransfer methodSuperhydrophobic statesdual-mode laser-inducedroll-to-roll production-line-compatible maskssunlight sterilizationPhotothermal Performancessunlight illumination210 countries2019 coronavirus outbreakRecyclable Graphenesolar-driven desalinationCOVIDdesalinating seawatergraphene-coated masksalt-rejection performancesurface temperatureOutstanding Superhydrophobiclow-melting temperature nonwoven masksphotothermal properties