Light-driven micro- and nanomotors for environmental remediation. Issue 8 (26th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Safdar, M.; Simmchen, J.; Jänis, J.
• Is Part Of: Environmental science. Volume 4:Issue 8(2017)
• Page Start: 1602
• Page End: 1616
• Publication Date: 2017-07-26
• Subjects: Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/c7en00367f
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2051-8153

Abstract

Abstract : Synthetic micro- and nanomotors (MNMs) have emerged as a vibrant research field in multidisciplinary nanotechnology with proof-of-concept applications in various disciplines. Abstract : Synthetic micro- and nanomotors (MNMs) have emerged as a vibrant research field in multidisciplinary nanotechnology with proof-of-concept applications in various disciplines. In this tutorial review, an overview of the latest achievements towards light-driven MNMs is given and their propulsion mechanisms are introduced. The focus of the paper is on the autonomously propelled MNMs that exploit light-induced physical effects or chemical reactions. Light-induced body deformation, as a completely different, nature inspired concept that is found mostly in soft, polymeric MNMs, is also reviewed. In the end, a few applications of photocatalytic and light-driven MNMs for environmental remediation are presented and their potential is critically discussed.