Dual‐Functional Anti‐Pathogen Coatings

A dual-functional anti-pathogenic coating with controllable repelling and capturing/inactivation of pathogens, which make it capable of eliminating a broad range of pathogenic bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, is reported. The reversible switch between repelling and capturing/inactivation is readily made via its CO2-responsive wettability. In its superhydrophobic state, the coating enables a SARS-CoV-2 repellent efficacy of 99.9997%. In its superhydrophilic state, the coating has a virucidal efficacy of up to 99.9897%, which is comparable to the inactivation rate of chemical disinfectants. The coating is highly flexible with anti-corrosive and anti-frosting properties, which works for repelling essentially all pathogens and potentially could be applied into various daily used products and materials. The coating has the potential to set a new prevention standard in fighting the current pandemic and preventing future ones via especially intercepting the transmission of pathogens through contaminated surfaces.