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Arbitrary Construction of Versatile NIR‐Driven Microrobots
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Researchers developed a versatile spin-coating fabrication technique for creating light-driven microrobots using near-infrared-responsive organic semiconductor materials. The method enables coating structures of various shapes and dimensions to create autonomous micro-scale robots capable of performing tasks like cargo transport. While primarily a materials science advance, the technology has potential future applications in environmental cleanup including microplastic collection.
Emerging light-driven micro/nanorobots (LMNRs) showcase profound potential for sophisticated manipulation and various applications. However, the realization of a versatile and straightforward fabrication technique remains a challenging pursuit. This study introduces an innovative bulk heterojunction organic semiconductor solar cell (OSC)-based spin-coating approach, aiming to facilitate the arbitrary construction of LMNRs. Leveraging the distinctive properties of a near-infrared (NIR)-responsive organic semiconductor heterojunction solution, this technique enables uniform coating across various dimensional structures (0D, 1D, 2D, 3D) to be LMNRs, denoted as "motorization." The film, with a slender profile measuring ≈140 nm in thickness, effectively preserves the original morphology of objects while imparting actuation capabilities exceeding hundreds of times their own weight. The propelled motion of these microrobots is realized through NIR-driven photoelectrochemical reaction-induced self-diffusiophoresis, showcasing a versatile array of controllable motion profiles. The strategic customization of arbitrary microrobot construction addresses specific applications, ranging from 0D microrobots inducing living crystal formation to intricate, multidimensional structures designed for tasks such as microplastic extraction, cargo delivery, and phototactic precise maneuvers. This study advances user-friendly and versatile LMNR technologies, unlocking new possibilities for various applications, signaling a transformative era in multifunctional micro/nanorobot technologies.
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Dual‐Wavelength Actuated Microrobots for Efficient Microplastic Removal
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Researchers developed a dual-wavelength light-driven microrobot system based on BiVO4 microparticles coated with an organic semiconductor for efficient microplastic removal from water. The decoupled dual-wavelength actuation enabled programmable movement and greater adaptability compared to single-wavelength microrobotic systems.
Visible-light-sensitive microrobots using H2O as fuel for highly efficient capture and precise detection of nanoplastics
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Researchers developed a cage-like microrobot powered by visible light and water that captures nanoplastics from solution within two minutes and detects them at low concentrations using surface-enhanced Raman scattering, with the robot recoverable via magnet for reuse.
Interaction‐Driven Assembly Pathways in Heterogeneous Active Microrobotic Systems
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Scientists built tiny light-powered robots that can be programmed to either link up into chains or clump together, controlled by switching magnetic and light-based forces on and off. This matters because these robot clusters can trap and capture microscopic plastic particles from water, offering a possible future tool for filtering out the nano/microplastics that have raised concerns about contamination in our water and bodies.
Trapping and detecting nanoplastics by MXene-derived oxide microrobots
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Researchers developed MXene-derived oxide microrobots capable of autonomously capturing nanoplastics from water using light-powered movement and magnetic collection. The self-propelled microrobots trapped nanoplastics on their surfaces and enabled subsequent electrochemical detection, offering a proof-of-concept for on-site nanoplastic screening and water remediation.
Reconfigurable self-assembly of photocatalytic magnetic microrobots for water purification
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Researchers built tiny magnetic-photocatalytic robots made of iron oxide coated with titanium dioxide that self-assemble into clusters under light and can be steered by magnets to degrade persistent pollutants in water. In tests, these microrobots rapidly broke down a common herbicide, and the approach may eventually be applied to destroying microplastics in water.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.