Always-on photocatalytic antibacterial facemask with mini UV-LED array

The facemask is a device to protect yourself and others against pandemics, such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and adding a functional filter to the facemask could offer extra protection against infectious microbes (such as bacteria and viruses) to the wearer. Here, we designed and fabricated an always-on photocatalytic antibacterial facemask, which comprised a reusable polypropylene filter layer coated with the photocatalytic laminated ZnO/TiO(2) bilayer and a separate UV-LEDs layer to supply UV whenever necessary. The fabricated photocatalytic filter was able to be directly inserted into the reusable facemask together with the UV-LEDs layer. This facemask could be used repeatedly and sustainably anytime and anywhere regardless of solar illumination. The photocatalytic filter exhibited an excellent photocatalytic antibacterial effect likely due to recombination suppression of electrons and holes of ZnO/TiO(2) bilayer and wetting transition from hydrophilic to superhydrophilic state on the surface of the filter. Thanks to the kirigami pattern in both photocatalytic filter and UV-LEDs layer, full-face covering, breathability, flexibility, and the snug fit are believed to be improved. Although further in-depth studies are still needed and there is a long way to go, we expect our design idea on the facemask to be considered in various fields.