An Overview on Exploitation of Graphene-Based Membranes: From Water Treatment to Medical Industry, Including Recent Fighting against COVID-19

Abstract

Graphene and its derivatives have lately been the subject of increased attention for different environmental applications of membrane technology such as water treatment and air filtration, exploiting their antimicrobial and antiviral activity. They are interesting candidates as membrane materials for their outstanding mechanical and chemical stability and for their thin two-dimensional (2D) nanostructure with potential pore engineering for advanced separation. All these applications have evolved and diversified from discovery to today, and now graphene and graphene derivatives also offer fascinating opportunities for the fight against infective diseases such as COVID-19 thanks to their antimicrobial and antiviral properties. This paper presents an overview of graphene-based 2D materials, their preparation and use as membrane material for applications in water treatment and in respiratory protection devices.

New Advances in Viral and Microorganism Disinfectants

“…CAC-717 is a novel disinfectant consisting of calcium bicarbonate mesoscopic crystals that contain mesostructured nanoparticles, which inactivate enveloping and non-enveloping viruses and prion [9,10]. Graphene in face masks can also sterilize SARS-CoV-2 and allow reuse [11]. Therefore, this coating is suitable for use on surfaces in public places.…”