Mercury-free deepultraviolet light chips for surface disinfection

NTU researchers led by Prof Hilmi Volkan Demir from NTU’s School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering and School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences have developed highly efficient and compact devices that generate deep ultraviolet (DUV) light (250-280 nm) for disinfection of surfaces. Unlike conventional UV lamps, these DUV devices do not require mercury, which is toxic, to generate DUV light. These DUV chips also provide the highest disinfection efficiency amongst available disinfection technologies and can be produced at low cost. By killing microorganisms on commonly touched surfaces, these DUV devices may prevent the spread of highly contagious diseases such as COVID-19.