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-19Start & end year
20242025Known Financial Commitments (USD)
$113,778.62Funder
Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)Principal Investigator
Beck Eugen AResearch Location
SwitzerlandLead Research Institution
Physik-Institut Universität ZürichResearch 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.