1. Antifungal Hybrid Graphene–Transition-Metal Dichalcogenides Aerogels with an Ionic Liquid Additive as Innovative Absorbers for Preventive Conservation of Cultural Heritage
- Author
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George Gorgolis, Maria Kotsidi, Elena Messina, Valentina Mazzurco Miritana, Gabriella Di Carlo, Elsa Lesaria Nhuch, Clarissa Martins Leal Schrekker, Jeniffer Alves Cuty, Henri Stephan Schrekker, George Paterakis, Charalampos Androulidakis, Nikos Koutroumanis, and Costas Galiotis
- Subjects
cultural heritage ,volatile organic compounds ,graphene ,transition-metal dichalcogenides ,aerogels ,ionic liquids ,Technology ,Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering ,TK1-9971 ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 ,Microscopy ,QH201-278.5 ,Descriptive and experimental mechanics ,QC120-168.85 - Abstract
The use and integration of novel materials are increasingly becoming vital tools in the field of preventive conservation of cultural heritage. Chemical factors, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), but also environmental factors such as high relative humidity, can lead to degradation, oxidation, yellowing, and fading of the works of art. To prevent these phenomena, highly porous materials have been developed for the absorption of VOCs and for controlling the relative humidity. In this work, graphene and transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) were combined to create three-dimensional aerogels that absorb certain harmful substances. More specifically, the addition of the TMDs molybdenum disulfide and tungsten disulfide in such macrostructures led to the selective absorption of ammonia. Moreover, the addition of the ionic liquid 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride promoted higher rates of VOCs absorption and anti-fungal activity against the fungus Aspergillus niger. These two-dimensional materials outperform benchmark porous absorbers in the absorption of all the examined VOCs, such as ammonia, formic acid, acetic acid, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde. Consequently, they can be used by museums, galleries, or even storage places for the perpetual protection of works of art.
- Published
- 2024
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