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Electrostatic Spray Disinfection Using Nano-Engineered Solution on Frequently Touched Surfaces in Indoor and Outdoor Environments

Author

Listed:
  • Tanya Purwar

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

  • Shamya Dey

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

  • Osama Zaid Ali Al-Kayyali

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

  • Aaron Floyd Zalar

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

  • Ali Doosttalab

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

  • Luciano Castillo

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

  • Victor M. Castano

    (Centro de Física Aplicada Tecnología Avanzada, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in high demand for disinfection technologies. However, the corresponding spray technologies are still not completely optimized for disinfection purposes. There are important problems, like the irregular coverage and dripping of disinfectant solutions on hard and vertical surfaces. In this study, we highlight two major points. Firstly, we discuss the effectiveness of the electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) of nanoparticle-based disinfectant solutions for systematic and long-lasting disinfection. Secondly, we show that, based on the type of material of the substrate, the effectiveness of ESD varies. Accordingly, 12 frequently touched surface materials were sprayed using a range of electrostatic spray system parameters, including ion generator voltage, nozzle spray size and distance of spray. It was observed that for most cases, the surfaces become completely covered with the nanoparticles within 10 s. Acrylic, Teflon, PVC, and polypropylene surfaces show a distinct effect of ESD and non-ESD sprays. The nanoparticles form a uniform layer with better surface coverage in case of electrostatic deposition. Quantitative variations and correlations show that 1.5 feet of working distance, an 80 μ m spray nozzle diameter and an ion generator voltage of 3–7 kV ensures a DEF (differential electric field) that corresponds to an optimized charge-to-mass ratio, ensuring efficient coverage of nanoparticles.

Suggested Citation

  • Tanya Purwar & Shamya Dey & Osama Zaid Ali Al-Kayyali & Aaron Floyd Zalar & Ali Doosttalab & Luciano Castillo & Victor M. Castano, 2022. "Electrostatic Spray Disinfection Using Nano-Engineered Solution on Frequently Touched Surfaces in Indoor and Outdoor Environments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-42, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:12:p:7241-:d:837787
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Francesco Triggiano & Giuseppina Caggiano & Marco Lopuzzo & Giusy Diella & Francesca Apollonio & Fabrizio Fasano & Maria Teresa Montagna, 2022. "No-Touch Automated Disinfection System Based on Hydrogen Peroxide and Ethyl Alcohol Aerosols for Use in Healthcare Environments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-6, April.
    2. Roberto Vazquez-Munoz & Jose L. Lopez-Ribot, 2020. "Nanotechnology as an Alternative to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-14, July.
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