Reusable and self-sterilization mask for real-time personal protection based on sunlight-driven photocatalytic reaction.

Personal protective masks play critical role in preventing the disease epidemic and resisting pathogenic bacterial infestation. However, large quantities of masks were disposed during COVID-19 epidemic, which caused environmental problem and huge economic burden. Herein, we developed reusable masks with inherent antimicrobial and self-cleaning features under solar irradiation. With spun-bonded nonwoven fabrics (SNF) layer as substrate, copper sulfide@polydopamine nanoparticles are deposited on SNF layer (CuS@PDA NPs -SNF), which presents excellent photocatalytic activity. Under solar irradiation, CuS@PDA NPs produce abundant of singly linear oxygen (1O 2), which inactivates pathogenic bacteria with high efficiency over 99%. Interestingly, CuS@PDA NPs -SNF cannot cause high temperature to bring any uncomfortable to the person, which is suitable for human to wear in daily life. Such design effectively protect person from the transmission of viral aerosol. Meanwhile, CuS@PDA NPs -SNF masks are reusable and still maintain robust bactericidal ability after washing. The sunlight-mediated self-sterilization at low temperature endows CuS@PDA NPs -SNF masks as powerful personal protective equipment for daily protection, which also provides an instructive way for reducing the environmental impact. [Display omitted] • Self-sterilization masks were developed based on photocatalytic reaction. • The mask can inactive bacteria with high efficiency under solar irradiation. • The sterilization is reached at low temperature for real time personal protection. • The mask is reusable and has robust antibacterial effect after several times washing. • The investigation has potential for reducing economic loss and environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]