UPSC Articles
Graphene Mask Inactivates Coronaviruses
Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Science & Technology
In news
- Recently, the researchers from the City University of Hong Kong have produced a laser-induced form of graphene masks that inactivate the coronavirus species.
- The researchers are also planning to test this mask on the Covid-19 (SARS-Cov-2) virus.
Key takeaways
- 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.”
- Benefits: (1) It is reusable; (2) Can also be produced at low cost
Important value additions
Graphene
- It is a single layer (monolayer) of carbon atoms.
- It is the building-block of Graphite.
- It is the strongest known material.
- Other Properties: (1) High thermal stability; (2) High elasticity; (3) High electrical conductivity; etc.
- Uses: It can be used in miniaturised electronics to biomedical devices like computers, solar panels, etc.
Do you know?
- Diamond, graphite and fullerenes are the important allotropes of pure carbon.
- Allotropy: Property of some chemical elements to exist in two or more different forms, in the same physical state.
- Graphene is also known for antibacterial properties.
