China Develops Catalyst to Destroy COVID-19 Virus

Virus Destruction Efficiency Over 96.5%
Applicable to Catalyst Air Filters and Masks

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Young-shin] Chinese researchers have developed a catalyst capable of destroying the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) virus, according to China's state-run Global Times on the 31st (local time).

According to the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics in China, the developed catalyst achieves a virus destruction efficiency of 96.5% to 99.9%.

The institute explained that molecules contained in the virus, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipid membranes, are less stable compared to general organic molecules and are easily hydrolyzed or inactivated by oxidation. The institute introduced that the catalyst was developed based on this principle.

The institute also stated that during the 2003 SARS outbreak, the use of the catalyst was proposed and tested by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Academy of Military Sciences, showing effectiveness. Although this substance produced results at the time, it was not used as SARS disappeared, the institute added.

Experiments on the catalyst were conducted at the Disease Prevention and Control Center in Anhui Province, China, and the Global Times reported that the virus elimination efficiency exceeds 96.5%.

The Global Times introduced that the developed catalyst can be applied to air filters or face masks.