Search

After the first visible photoluminescence (PL) from porous silicon (pSi), continuous efforts are made to fabricate Si‐based compound nanomaterials embedded in matrices such as oxide, nitride, and carbide to improve optical performance and industrial acceptability. These nanomaterials’ functional and desired properties (nanoparticles and quantum dots embedded in matrices) can vary significantly when embedded in technologically relevant matrices. However, exploring the exact emission mechanisms is one of the remaining challenges from the past few decades. To cover this gap, this review discusses the morphological and optoelectronic properties of Si‐based compound nanomaterials and their correlation with the quantum confinement effect and different surface states to find precise emission mechanisms. One of the biggest challenges of using silicon nanomaterials in the biological sector is the development of sensitive materials of low/acceptable toxicity for identifying target analytes either inside/outside the biological platforms. In this scenario, silicon‐based compound matrices can offer different characteristics and advantages depending on their size configurations and PL emission mechanisms. On the other hand, a proper understanding of these multifaceted silicon nanomaterials’ optical properties (emission mechanisms) can be exploited for pathogen detection and in situ applications in cells and tissues, embarking on a new era of bioimaging technology.

Coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19), a viral infection pandemic, arises due to easy human-to-human transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The SARS-CoV-2 causes severe respiratory disorders and other life-threatening diseases (during/post-infection) such as black mold disease, diabetes, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders/diseases. COVID-19 infection emerged challenging to control as SARS-CoV-2 transmits through respiratory droplets (> 10 µm size range), aerosols (< 5 µm), airborne, and particulate matter (PM1.0 PM2.5 and PM10.0). SARS-CoV-2 is more infective in indoor premises due to aerodynamics where droplets, aerosols, and PM1.0/2.5/10.0 float for a longer time and distance leading to a higher probability of it entering upper and lower respiratory tracts. To avoid human-to-human transmission, it is essential to trap and destroy SARS-CoV-2 from the air and provide virus-free air that will significantly reduce indoor viral exposure concerns. In this process, an efficient nano-enable photoelectrochemical oxidation (PECO, a destructive approach to neutralize bio-organism) assisted air purification is undoubtedly a good technological choice. This technical perspective explores the role of PECO-assisted Air-Purifiers (i.e., Molekule as a focus example for proof-of-concept) to trap and destroy indoor microorganisms (bacteria and viruses including Coronaviruses), molds, and allergens, and other indoor air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and PM1.0/2.5/10.0. It is observed through various standard and non-standard tests that stimuli-responsive nanomaterials coated filter technology traps and destroys microbial particles. Due to technological advancements according to premises requirements and high-performance desired outcomes, Molekule air purifiers, Air Pro Air -Rx, Air Mini, and Air Mini+, have received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance as a Class II medical device for the destruction of bacteria and viruses.