Triboelectric and piezoelectric technologies for self-powered microbial disinfection

Microbial disinfection is essential for public health advancement, significantly enhancing water and air purification and strengthening personal health protection. Electro-based disinfection merges as a sustainable and safe alternative to traditional methods, providing broad-spectrum microbial control without chemical reliance or harmful by-product formation. The urgency for efficient, cost-effective, and self-powered disinfection methods has been amplified by global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in regions lacking traditional disinfection infrastructure. This review meticulously investigates self-powered microbial disinfection leveraging triboelectric and piezoelectric technologies. It explores the essential mechanisms of electrical disinfection, including electroporation, which compromises cell membranes; electrochemical processes that trigger microbial deactivation through chemical reactions; and electrostatic interactions for efficient microbial containment. Additionally, it showcases pioneering energy harvesting innovations, notably piezoelectric and triboelectric technologies highlighting their viability and commonly used construction for electrical disinfection applications. These advancements present broad applications, ranging from inactivating waterborne and airborne microbials to enhancing personal protective gear. Conclusively, this review outlines future research directions and underscores the potential of self-powered microbial disinfection strategies in bolstering public health resilience, marking a significant stride in preventive healthcare.