Electrostatic Charge Injection for Sustainable Face Mask Reuse: Mechanisms and Performance Enhancement

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the necessity for sustainable mask usage and supply during critical periods. While disposable masks effectively curb virus transmission, they pose substantial environmental challenges. We propose a mask reuse strategy involving mask disinfection and recharging to mitigate mask waste pollution and bolster mask availability. We explore three charge reinjection methods to restore filtration performance in disinfected masks, shedding light on their impact on charge levels and filtration efficiency. A method combining corona discharge and surface charge replenishment emerges as the optimal solution, with only a 2.5% decrease in filtration efficiency during an 8-hour testing cycle. This study pioneers effective mask reuse, promoting environmental sustainability and alleviating mask supply pressures.