Graphene mask inactivates coronaviruses

Q. Why in News?

A. Recently, the researchers from the City University of Hong Kong have produced a laser-induced form of graphene masks that inactivate the coronavirus species.

Q. What this research find out ?

A. Initial tests deactivated two coronavirus species. The researchers are also planning to test this mask on the Covid-19(SARS-Cov-2) virus.
The researchers also tested it on E coli (bacteria), which showed an antibacterial efficiency of around 80%. The efficiency can be raised to almost 100% with exposure to sunlight for 10 minutes.

Q. How is it Produced ?

A.  All carbon-containing materials, such as cellulose or paper, can be converted into graphene. The researchers described the production of laser-induced graphene as a "green technique."

Q. What are its benefits?

A. It is reusable. It can also be produced at low cost. It also resolves the problems of sourcing raw materials and disposing of non-biodegradable masks.

Q. What is Graphene?

• It is a single layer (monolayer) of carbon atoms. It is one atom thick. It is the building-block of Graphite.

Q. What are its properties and uses ?

A. Properties: It is harder than diamond yet more elastic than rubber; tougher than steel yet lighter than aluminium. Graphene is the strongest known material.

It has :

• Lowest resistivity substance known at room temperature.
• High thermal stability.
• High elasticity.
• High electrical conductivity.
• Electron mobility is high at room temperature.
• Graphene oxide (GO) membranes can be used to filter common salt from seawater.

Uses: Its thin composition and high conductivity means it can be used in applications ranging from miniaturised electronics to biomedical devices like computers, solar panels, batteries, sensors and other devices.