Application of micro/nanomotors in environmental remediation

Abstract

Micro/nanomotors are ultra-small machines that can navigate autonomously and carry out particular tasks at the micro/nanoscale. The micro/nanomotors can act as “smart mobile” cleaners in complex situations by employing propulsion to degrade contaminants and clear impurities while overcoming resistance since they have power units that give them the essential attribute of continuous movement. This work reviews the speed control and direction control of micro/nanomotors, whose speed can range from 2.7 μm s⁻¹ to 24.3 mm s⁻¹, as well as the propulsion mode of micro/nanomotors, including the propulsion mechanism of micro/nanomotors from both chemical and physical perspectives. The detection and degradation of environmental pollutants by the micro/nanomotors are also summarized. The functions of “smart mobile” cleaners in the detection of heavy metals in the environment, detection, decomposition and degradation of organic compounds, removal of pathogenic bacteria, elimination of oil droplets from water, and adsorptive removal of pollutants for environmental remediation are all covered in detail. Finally, the primary obstacles to converting micro/nanomotors into useful materials are examined, along with potential developments in this sector for future research.