Safe Glow: Illuminating the Future of Sterilization with Human-Safe Light Emitting Diodes Technology

  • Funded by Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
  • Total publications:0 publications

Grant number: 220582

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Key facts

  • Disease

    COVID-19
  • Start & end year

    2024
    2025
  • Known Financial Commitments (USD)

    $113,778.62
  • Funder

    Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
  • Principal Investigator

    Beck Eugen A
  • Research Location

    Switzerland
  • Lead Research Institution

    Physik-Institut Universität Zürich
  • Research Priority Alignment

    N/A
  • Research Category

    Infection prevention and control

  • Research Subcategory

    Barriers, PPE, environmental, animal and vector control measures

  • Special Interest Tags

    N/A

  • Study Type

    Non-Clinical

  • Clinical Trial Details

    N/A

  • Broad Policy Alignment

    Pending

  • Age Group

    Not Applicable

  • Vulnerable Population

    Not applicable

  • Occupations of Interest

    Not applicable

Abstract

In response to the urgent need for effective, sustainable, and safe sterilization methods, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the global energy crisis, our project aims to revolutionize current technology through the development of a novel ultraviolet (UV) light solution. Traditional UV light sources, though effective in killing microorganisms, often emit harmful wavelengths, posing risks to human health. To address this, our project proposes a groundbreaking approach: a new generation of UV light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) utilizing advanced two-dimensional (2D) materials.Focusing on the unique properties of high-quality intrinsic hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and doped h-BN, our project aims to create UV-LEDs emitting safe UV light. Diverging from conventional methods, our approach employs 2D materials h-BN layers, emphasizing an efficient active boron nitride layers with careful engineering.Through meticulous integration of surface science and 2D materials fabrication, we plan to develop a prototype UV-LEDs device with heightened efficiency and an extended lifespan. By bridging the gap between fundamental research in 2D thin film fabrication and real-world applications, the project addresses a field of high relevance.Aligned with the European Commission's sustainability and energy efficiency measures, our research contributes to phasing out inefficient lighting technologies. The anticipated impact extends to healthcare, public safety, air and water purification, agriculture, medical equipment, and environmental monitoring. This project represents a significant stride toward a brighter future, with the potential to enhance the quality of life globally.