A novel smart disinfection system using 3D-printed and electrically conductive composite hydrogel

Smart materials are ushering in the era of smart and adaptable products. Hydrogels are a distinct class of smart materials that can be 3D-printed to produce smart and active structures that can be used as sensors and actuators. The development and characterization of a 3D-printable and electrically conductive composite hydrogel, as well as its application in the development of a smart disinfection system, are discussed in this article. The developed composite hydrogel has a maximum electrical conductivity of 145 S.m −1 , is stable up to 200 °C, and has a 3D printable rheology. Virtuous of its electrical conductivity, the composite hydrogel was used to create a smart disinfection system. Various disinfection systems have been adopted for the disinfection of contaminated surfaces; however, most of these systems require human evacuation from the surroundings due to the hazardous nature of the virucide. The proposed system is designed to disinfect contaminated surfaces on common-use equipment and is capable of real-time activation through user interaction. It employs a thermal disinfection process at 60 °C for 5 min and becomes ready for the next user once its temperature drops below 55 °C. This system consumes 1.64 Wh of energy per disinfection cycle and is suitable for scenarios with fewer than 60 user interactions in an 8-h work shift.