In Russia, a nanomembrane has been created that is capable of killing microorganisms and viruses dangerous to humans, including COVID-19. The invention is going to be used in filters of air purifiers and in air conditioners, Izvestia reports.
Scientists from the Center for Photonics and Quantum Materials of the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology said that the membrane heats up to 300-400 degrees Celsius due to an electric current. As a result, the air passing through the device is cleaned and decontaminated. Valery Zagainov, professor at MEPhI, admitted that the membrane could be built into air conditioners in the future.
“Heating the membrane to 100-150 degrees will instantly kill both viruses and microorganisms. Until now, there have been no materials in the world that would filter the air and heat up at the same time. Therefore, our invention has no analogues yet, – emphasized Albert Nasibulin, one of the authors of the project, a specialist in the field of synthesis, research of growth mechanisms and application of nanomaterials, Skoltech professor.
Virologist, Professor Anatoly Altstein added that in air-conditioned rooms (for example, on airplanes), the infection spreads faster than in the absence of it. A membrane filter would help stop the spread of the virus, he said. “I think such an invention would be good to use in hospital wards, where there may be a lot of virus particles, as well as in operating rooms,” he said.
Earlier it was reported that Rospotrebnadzor will release a nasal spray with antibodies against ARVI. The medicine is a nasal spray that can be used when there is an increased risk of exposure to pathogens.
