A critical review on micro‐ and nanomotors: Application towards wastewater treatment

Abstract

AbstractMicro‐ and nanomotors are synthetic devices that can transform various sources of energy into motion. These devices perform specialized tasks as they propel themselves in response to stimuli. The application of self‐propelled micro‐ and nanomachines in wastewater treatment has been of prime importance in the last decade. Compared to static decontamination systems, micro‐ and nanomachines can remove or degrade water pollutants in a much more rapid way owing to higher diffusion rates and fluxes. The present review focuses on the recent progress of micro‐ and nanomachines in wastewater treatment and provides an overview of their structural features, synthesis procedures, and propulsion mechanisms. We reviewed the applications of micro‐ and nanomachines to remove heavy metals, dyes, and organic pollutants from wastewater. We also discussed the challenges micro‐ and nanomotors face during wastewater treatment, thus providing a holistic approach to the article. This article highlights the shortcomings as well as the opportunities for micro‐ and nanomotors‐based technology in wastewater treatment.