Introduction

Abstract

This chapter discusses about the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), its adverse effects, and how materials science can play a role to combat COVID-19. In particular, a brief overview of the content included in the book is presented in this chapter. In the book, the synthesis, and fundamental and functional properties of emerging 2D materials, such as graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, transition metal dichalcogenides (for example, MoS2), MAX, and MXenes, are discussed. Various physical and chemical methods, namely, dry and liquid exfoliation, ultrasonication, chemical vapor deposition, chemical etching methods, are discussed for the production of these materials. The biomedical applications of these materials in the context of COVID-19 are compressively discussed. These 2D materials display antiviral characteristics and can be used to develop sensitive biosensors and high-performance sterilizers, and their foams can be explored for various biomedical components. Further, advanced manufacturing process, namely, 3D printing, is extensively discussed for the fabrication of components required for COVID-19. Finally, the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of 2D materials is discussed, and how these materials can advance the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases to control pandemic is also presented.