Swarming of Perovskite-Like Bi(2)WO(6)Microrobots Destroy Textile Fibers under Visible Light

journal article in Web of Science

English

The increasing demand for disposable textiles for multi-cleansing purposes has led to an uncontrollable accumulation of macro- and microdebris in water bodies, resulting in major environmental disruptions and a threat to ecosystems. Considering the emerging nature of this type of contamination, there is still no current treatment to tackle this environmental problem. Here, self-propelled bismuth tungstate microrobots that can actively move under light irradiation, swarm, and destroy disposable textiles through oxidative pathways are presented. Upon sun-like illumination, these micromachines attack and degrade both the intertwined network of natural/synthetic textiles and their organic ingredients that are subsequently released into the water. The high efficiency arises from the enhanced intimate contact between the self-propelled microrobots and the surface of the textiles. This work provides a unique strategy to treat emerging solid waste contamination in water bodies at mild conditions by combining photoactivated microrobots, collective behavior, and photocatalysis.

degradation; micromotors; micropollutants; non-woven textiles; photocatalysis; visible light; wet wipes

VILLA, K.; DĚKANOVSKÝ, L.; PLUTNAR, J.; KOSINA, J.; PUMERA, M.

1. 12. 2020

WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH

WEINHEIM

1616-301X

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS

30

51

Federal Republic of Germany

2007073-1

2007073-10

10

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202007073