Researchers: Ultraviolet UV-C Disinfecting and Sterilizing Lights are Here to Stay

Since COVID-19 made its way across the globe, a number of measures were presented as a way to protect oneself. Besides the usual handwashing and social distance-keeping, Ultraviolet (UV) devices have increased in supply and uses. The reason for this rests in the mere fact that a certain strength of UV light (i.e. between 200 and 400 nanometers) could eliminate bacteria and covid-19 altogether. What makes this unique is that such devices can be used on just about any object in any location.

Using UV light Devices

Researchers from Penn State and University of Minnesota have recently affirmed that UV light devices can be much more portable, longer lasting and energy efficient writes Study Finds. Associate Professor of Materials Science, Physics and Chemistry, Roman Engel-Herbert, disclosed that for such devices to be effective,

“a sufficient UV light dose [is needed] to kill all the viruses,” and in his opinion, “the higher the intensity the better.” Unfortunately, this has not been achieved as of yet due to “the limited electrode material being used.”

That said, the team recently created a study to assess the effects of UV light given a select material for the conductor aspect of the device. As a result, they discovered a material called strontium niobite. When the samples of strontium niobite were tested, its success led the researchers to believe that it could help neutralize COVID-19.

In particular, Doctoral Candidate in Penn State’s Materials Science and Engineering, Joseph Roth said:

“We were successful. While our first motivation in developing UV transparent conductors was to build an economic solution for water disinfection, we now realize that this breakthrough discovery potentially offers a solution to deactivate COVID-19 in aerosols that might be distributed in HVAC systems of buildings.”