Innovative Transparent Antimicrobial Copper Coating Developed for Touch Displays

Researchers at Spain’s Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA) and the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), in collaboration with Corning Corporation, have developed a transparent antimicrobial copper coating for touch displays, which could prove beneficial in public settings, especially in post-pandemic times. This innovative technology, named TANCS (Transparent Nanostructured Copper Surface), involves applying a thin copper film to Corning's Gorilla Glass, followed by rapid thermal annealing at 390 ℃ for 10 minutes to form copper nanoparticles.

The result is a coating that retains the antibacterial effectiveness of copper while being transparent and electrically conductive. Tests demonstrated that this nanostructured surface could kill 99.9% of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria within two hours and remained durable after multiple cleanings. This development represents a significant step towards safer, antimicrobial touchscreens for both public and private use, though further refinement is needed before commercial application.