Analysis on Preparation, Application, and Recycling of Activated Carbon to Aid in COVID-19 Protection

Abstract

Activated carbon (AC) is an extremely porous carbonaceous adsorptive substance which has a rigid carbon matrix with high surface area and broad functional groups. The structure is connected by chemical bonds; arranged irregularly, generating a highly porous arrangement of corners, crevices, claps, and cracks between the carbon layers. Activated carbons are produced high-temperature and chemical activation of waste biomass. The pores in the lattice network of activated carbon permit the removal of impurities from gaseous and liquid medium through adsorption. At present, the COVID-19 disease is the prime concern around the whole world because of its exponential infections and death rate. There is no medicine for this virus, and protection is the only remedy to survive from this contagious disease. Using a face mask is one of the best methods to get rid of COVID-19. The mask combined with activated carbon can be beneficial for adsorbing and disinfecting the virus as it is the versatile adsorbent for the elimination of the organic, inorganic, and pathogenic contaminants.

Size- and Time-Dependent Particle Removal Efficiency of Face Masks and Improvised Respiratory Protection Equipment Used during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Surgical masks and FFRs are also available in combination with additional filters. The most commonly used filters contain activated carbon for filtration of toxic gases such as CO x , SO x , NO x , pollens, odors, and other pollutants [ 8 ]. All the above masks are classified as personal protective equipment (PPE) and must adhere to a specific set of standards.…”

COVID-19 Prevention: Role of Activated Carbon

“…The removal efficiency depends mostly on the properties of the activated carbon and the characteristics of the pollutants. Pore size (macro: D > 50 nm, meso: 50 > D > 2 nm, and micro: D < 2 nm), surface area (~3000 sqm/gm), density (400~2100 kg/m 3 ), hardness (62 to 93.5%) are related to AC properties, and initial concentration, solubility in water, chemical/biological compositions, magnetism tendency toward the carbon surface involved with contaminated characteristics [2,[32][33][34][35]. ACs are cheap, readily available, and environment-friendly adsorbents for specific purification applications [36].…”

“…The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID- 19) is an infective pneumonia illness that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This previously unknown disease was first discovered in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019 [1,2]. From China, the virus spread widely around the whole world within a short period of time.…”

IVF laboratory COVID-19 pandemic response plan: a roadmap

“…But, since aerosolized viruses are thought to exist as agglomerates, the increase in the particle size may consequently cause them to be efficiently captured by the filter [37]. On the other hand, activated carbon filters normally installed within HVAC filter cartridges to trap volatile organic compounds, were found to absorb viral particles as well [38]. While most IVF laboratories are equipped with positive-pressure air systems, it may be recommended to switch to negative pressure modules during airborne virus outbreaks to sink the virus.…”