Can Potted Plants Catch Mosquitoes? Applying Rare-Earth Luminescent Materials and Plant Energy to the Development of Innovative Mosquito-Trapping Potted Plants

Abstract

Due to the global warming crisis, the spread of various infectious diseases is worsening, with mosquito-borne contagious diseases posing a significant threat. While many residential and public spaces contain plants, often for greening the environment and improving mental and physical well-being, the carbon dioxide released by these plants produces ideal habitats for mosquitoes. Considering the quality of life of urban residents and the development of health-related products simultaneously is an important topic. This study used diverse complementary techniques, such as energy-storing rare-earth luminescent materials, sustainable power generation using plant energy, blue light–emitting diodes, and environmentally friendly fermentation formula, to develop planting products with potential mosquito control functionality. The prototype design for this mosquito-trapping potted plant has been patented. The aim of this paper is to discuss the design principles adopted to improve the defects of existing mosquito-trapping designs, the green energy materials and techniques employed, the architecture configuration of the product prototype, and the test results. By integrating green materials and technology, the prototype can be self-powered without being plugged in to yield conspicuous energy savings. The results showed that the developed multi-function products, combined with the concept of energy sustainability, can improve global public health as well as individuals’ physical and mental health.