Tungsten Oxide Microparticles Visible Light Antiviral
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antiviral materials fail to provide effective antiviral performance under various environmental conditions, particularly indoors where ultraviolet light is limited, and their durability is short-lived, making them inadequate for practical applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of tungsten oxide microparticles and composite microparticles with specific particle diameters, specific surface areas, and crystal structures, which are applied to surfaces to inactivate viruses such as avian influenza and swine influenza viruses under visible light irradiation, regardless of illuminance levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If titanium oxide-based photocatalyst is used for antiviral application, then antiviral effect is obtained under ultraviolet irradiation, but sufficient performance cannot be obtained in indoor environments having only a small amount of ultraviolet rays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the optical absorption parameters of titanium oxide by doping with nitrogen or sulfur, or by forming composite materials with other metal oxides, enabling the photocatalyst to activate under visible light wavelengths (400-800nm) prevalent in indoor environments rather than requiring ultraviolet radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite photocatalytic materials by combining titanium oxide with other metal oxides such as zinc oxide, copper oxide, or iron oxide, which broadens the light absorption spectrum and enhances antiviral activity under indoor lighting conditions while maintaining structural stability
2Illumination intensity
If visible light response-type photocatalyst based on titanium oxide is used, then performance under visible light is improved, but the excitation wavelength range is narrow and sufficient performance is not obtained under low illuminance of general interior lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the band gap energy parameters of titanium oxide through chemical doping and composite formation, extending the excitation wavelength range from limited visible light absorption to comprehensive absorption across the 400-800nm spectrum, enabling effective antiviral activity even under low illuminance conditions of 100-500 lux
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops multi-component composite photocatalysts combining titanium oxide with zinc oxide, copper oxide, and other metal oxides in optimized ratios, where each component contributes to broadening the light absorption spectrum and enhancing catalytic activity under low light conditions
3Reliability
If alcohol is applied to a product for virus inactivation, then temporary antiviral effect is achieved, but the product itself does not inactivate the viruses and viruses can attach to the product again
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a photocatalytic antiviral coating that autonomously inactivates viruses upon exposure to light, eliminating the need for repeated alcohol applications. The titanium oxide-based photocatalyst continuously generates reactive oxygen species under light irradiation, providing self-sustaining antiviral protection that persists for extended periods without additional treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous antiviral activity through the photocatalytic material that remains actively functional under continuous or intermittent light exposure. The photocatalyst maintains its antiviral capability over long durations, providing uninterrupted protection compared to the temporary effect of alcohol application
4Reliability
If Ag ion is used for virus inactivation, then antiviral effect is achieved, but the duration of the effect is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines titanium oxide photocatalyst with silver ions or silver particles in a composite structure, where the photocatalyst generates reactive oxygen species that enhance and extend the antiviral activity of silver. This composite approach provides synergistic effects, maintaining high antiviral efficacy over extended periods by continuously activating silver through light-induced photocatalysis rather than relying on silver ion release alone
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The tungsten oxide-based materials exhibit a high inactivation effect against multiple virus types, maintaining antiviral performance even under low light conditions, ensuring practical antiviral protection in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Implementation Method 1
tungsten oxide microparticles and tungsten oxide composite microparticles which have an inactivation effect R of 1 or more when a virus titer obtained after at least one virus selected from a low pathogenic avian influenza virus (H9N2), a high pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) and a swine influenza virus is inoculated on a specimen to which the microparticles are adhered
Implementation Method 2
tungsten oxide has a band gap narrower than that of titanium oxide, so that it receives attention as a material capable of obtaining photocatalysis by visible light
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an antiviral material includes at least one microparticles selected from tungsten oxide microparticles and tungsten oxide composite microparticles. The microparticles have an inactivation effect R of 1 or more expressed by [R=log C−log A], when there is evaluated a virus titer by inoculating on a specimen to which the microparticles are adhered, at least one virus selected from a low pathogenic avian influenza virus (H9N2), a high pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) and a swine influenza virus, and irradiating the specimen with visible light having a wavelength of 380 nm or more and illuminance of 6000 lx. for 24 hours.