REVIEW ON VIRUCIDAL NANOMATERIALS, NANOSYNTHESIS, MORPHOLOGY, MECHANISM AND VIRUCIDAL EFFICACY ON CORONA VIRUSES FOR ANTIVIRAL APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Nanomaterials (NMs) consisting of metal, non-metal and carbon-based nanoparticles (NPs) have long been found to have virucidal properties, with potential disinfection applications in densely populated built environments and urban cities. Amidst the current global health crisis involving the COVID-19 Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and the high risk of future similar pandemics, it is increasingly necessary to investigate the application of the functional nanomaterials for ensuring human health and wellness within the built environment, which contributes significantly to preventing the contact transmission and surface contamination of viruses. This review provides a state-of-the-art overview of different nanomaterial types, their virucidal properties, and specific mechanisms which have significant disinfectant effects on different types of coronaviruses. Their nano-morphologies, virucidal efficacy, and building applications will be summarised and compared, thereby shedding light on the usefulness of nanomaterials as a means to providing a safer living environment with anti-virus coatings and contamination-free wall surfaces.