In-Situ Generation of H2O2 from Bismuth Telluride (Bi2Te3) Cubes for Instant Hand Sanitizer

Abstract

COVID-19 was discovered in Hubei Province, China in December 2019. According to World Health Organization reports, on December 2, 2022, this disease spreads to at least 200 countries, infecting more than 640 million people which raised beyond 6 million deaths globally. Efforts are being made to alleviate the number of COVID cases by development of vaccines. As per WHO guidelines, the community should follow some precautions even after taking vaccine, such as physical distancing, wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, and regularly sanitizing hands. Hand sanitization is recognized as the most effective way to prevent the spreading of infectious diseases (such as COVID-19). So, hand sanitizer has become one of the most sought-after products in the world. Mostly hand sanitizer contains alcohol (more than 60%) which damages the outer layer of skin and kills both harmful as well as protective microbes present on skin. To overcome these issues, Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can be considered as an alternative choice having excellent antibacterial action against a wide range of microorganisms without harming the skin. So, we demonstrated repeatedly generation of H2O2 by placing bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) cubes in sanitizer bottle filled with hot water (100 oC) from water dispenser. H2O2 is one the most stable radicals as compared to other reactive oxygen species (ROS). Even after 12 hours, H2O2 is still exists in the sanitizer bottle which is examined by fluorescence spectroscopy. 5 sprays of H2O2 show 100% antibacterial activity for E.Coli survival rate as compared to 75% ethanol sanitizer. This study demonstrated Bi2Te3 cubes for repeatedly generation of H2O2 as instant sanitizer via hot water from water dispenser which can be convenient to maintain hygiene and to prevent from infectious diseases such as COVID-19.