(181h) Sustainable Generator and In-situ Monitor for Reactive Oxygen Species Using the Photodynamic Effect of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Ionic Liquids (ILs)

Public health and climate change have brought increased attention to sustainable and environmentally-friendly monitoring and disinfectant technologies. It's known that reactive oxygen species (ROS) could be generated during the natural carbon cycle when exposed to water and sunlight. Here we explore the bioinspired use of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) for ROS generation. However, their efficiency is often reduced due to competitive reactions with water, and their kinetics remain ambiguous. To address these challenges, a hydrophobic, aprotic ionic liquid (IL) was used for the reaction media. This unique approach allows for the selective generation of superoxide (O₂^‑) upon UV irradiation. The potential applications of this system include the sensing, detection, and remediation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as well as pathogen disinfection. Our ultimate goal is to introduce a wholly sustainable method for air quality monitoring and purification.