Developing Multifunctional/Smart Civil Engineering Materials to Fight Viruses

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has posed an extraordinary threat to global public health, wealth, and well-being. As the carriers of human life and production, infrastructures need to be upgraded to mitigate and prevent the spread of viral diseases. Developing multifunctional/smart civil engineering materials to fight viruses is a promising approach to achieving this goal. In this Perspective, a basic introduction on viruses and their structure is provided. Then, the current design principles of antiviral materials and structures are examined. Subsequently, the possibility of developing active/passive antiviral civil engineering materials (including cementitious composites, ceramics, polymers, and coatings) is proposed and envisioned. Finally, future research needs and potential challenges to develop antiviral civil engineering materials are put forward. The proposed strategies to develop multifunctional/smart antiviral civil engineering materials will aid in the construction of smart infrastructures to prevent the spread of viruses, thus improving human life and health as well as the sustainability of human society.