Copper foams that filter efficiently, decontaminate easily for reuse and are recyclable find new role in helping to fight infection spread says new study.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the severe health risks posed by deep submicrometer-sized airborne viruses and particulates in the spread of infectious diseases.
Newly developed copper foams target this size range and can be easily used in face masks and air filtration systems say U.S. researchers.
The researchers transformed electrodeposited copper nanowire into low density foams with microscopic pores that are stronger and more resistant to deformation, solvents, and high temperatures and pressures. Meaning they can be cleaned repeatedly without losing any performance.
The team tested the foams ability to filter out microbes and found they had excellent filtration efficiency for particles within the 0.1-1.6 μm size range, which is relevant for filtering out SARS-CoV-2.
The copper foam held its form when pressurized and at high air speeds, suggesting it’s durable for reusable face masks or air filters and could be cleaned with washing or compressed air.
The researchers estimate that the materials would cost around $2 per mask at present, and disinfection and reuse would extend their lifetime, making them economically competitive with current products. They are also recyclable.
