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Filtration of viral aerosols via a hybrid carbon nanotube active filter

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Terrones, J 
Hosmillo, M 
Qiao, R 

Abstract

Exposure to expired particles and droplets carrying infectious viruses is a primary transmission pathway for respiratory diseases. Removal of particles and droplets via filtration from a volume can drastically reduce the exposure to viruses, but viruses may remain active on filtration surfaces as potential resuspension or fomite risks. Here, we report the development of macroscopic carbon nanotube air filters synthesized using ultra-thin carbon nanotube electrically conductive membranes, mechanically supported by a porous polyester backing. Filtration efficiencies were measured up to 99.999%, while ultra-thin materials with low areal density (0.1 g m─2) exhibited pressure drops comparable to commercial High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. These electrically conductive filters are actively self-sanitized by thermal flashes via resistive heating to temperatures above 80 °C within seconds or less. Such temperatures were proven to achieve full deactivation of a betacoronavirus and an adeno-associated virus retained on filter surfaces. A filtration unit prototype equipped with a CNT filter module (∼1.2 m2) was shown to achieve air purification of 99% of a room within 10 min at 26 air changes per hour.

Description

Keywords

Anti-Viral, Carbon nanotubes, Air-filtration, Bio-aerosols, Multi-functional materials

Journal Title

Carbon

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0008-6223
1873-3891

Volume Title

183

Publisher

Elsevier BV

Rights

All rights reserved
Sponsorship
Innovate UK, TortechNano Fibers Ltd., BlackpoolTeaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Camfil UK Ltd, ebm-papst UK