Development of Visible-Light Sensitive Self-disinfecting Virucidal Coating via Photodynamic Inactivation to Reduce the Transmission of COVID-19

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The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to thousands of deaths and significant economic contraction globally. Coronavirus can be transmitted via contact or respiratory droplets emitted during a cough or sneeze, and/or by touching surfaces contaminated with respiratory droplets or secretions. Therefore, demand for "self-disinfecting" coatings which can kill germs and viruses has skyrocketed in recent months. In this project, self-disinfecting coatings will be developed to inactivate viruses rapidly, spontaneously and continuously under visible light illumination. The development of self-disinfecting coatings will be based on graphitic carbon nitride, a low cost, non-toxic and visible light absorbing photocatalyst with good thermal and chemical stability. The success of this project will lead to the application of self-disinfecting coatings on cellulose, key materials for the inner layer of face masks, tempered glass used in windows and metallic surfaces such as those used in door handles. We believe the success of the project will help minimize the spread of COVID-19 as well as help Canadian companies develop products that can be marketed as self-disinfecting coatings.