Developing multifunctional/smart civil engineering materials to fight viruses

Abstract

The on-going COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2) has posed an extraordinary threat to global public health, wealth and well-being. As the carrier of human life and production, infrastructures need to be upgraded to mitigate and prevent the spread of viral diseases. Developing multifunctional/smart civil engineering materials to fight viruses is a promising approach to achieving this goal. In this perspective, the basic introduction on virus and its structure is provided. Then, the current design principles of antiviral materials and structures are examined. Subsequently, the possibility of developing active/passive antiviral civil engineering materials (including cementitious composites, ceramics, polymers and coatings) is proposed and envisaged. Finally, the future research needs and potential challenges to develop antiviral civil engineering materials are put forward. The proposed strategies to develop multifunctional/smart antiviral civil engineering materials will aid in the construction of smart infrastructures to prevent the spread viruses, thus improving human life and health as well as sustainability of human society.