Publication detail

Reconfigurable Magnetic Liquid Metal Microrobots: A Regenerable Solution for the Capture and Removal of Micro/Nanoplastics

WU, X. PENG, X. REN, L. GUAN, J. PUMERA, M.

Original Title

Reconfigurable Magnetic Liquid Metal Microrobots: A Regenerable Solution for the Capture and Removal of Micro/Nanoplastics

Type

journal article in Web of Science

Language

English

Original Abstract

The pervasive presence of micro/nanoplastics in the environment is a significant threat to ecosystems and human health, demanding effective remediation strategies. Traditional methods for extracting these pollutants from water are often inadequate, typically leaving environmentally harmful residues. In response, this work introduces an innovative approach using reconfigurable and regenerable liquid metal microrobots (LiquidBots) that are magnetically driven to actively sequester micro/nanoplastics from aquatic environments. These LiquidBots utilize a coating of gallium oxide for enhanced adhesion and electrostatic interaction to capture over 80% of nanoplastics present in the solution. Additionally, the LiquidBots can be easily regenerated through sonication, which dislodges captured nanoplastics, allowing the microrobots to be reused. This novel technology offers a highly efficient, adaptable, and sustainable solution to combat the micro/nanoplastic pollution crisis. Reconfigurable and regenerable magnetic liquid metal microrobots are designed for capturing and removing micro/nanoplastics. The process involves four steps: 1) Preparation of LiquidBots. 2) Magnetic manipulation and transport of micro/nanoplastics using a 3D magnetic field. 3) Desorption of the captured micro/nanoplastics. 4) Reconfigurable of GaIn-Fe. image

Keywords

liquid metal; microplastics; nanoplastics; robotics

Authors

WU, X.; PENG, X.; REN, L.; GUAN, J.; PUMERA, M.

Released

1. 12. 2024

Publisher

WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH

Location

WEINHEIM

ISBN

1616-3028

Periodical

Advanced functional materials

Year of study

34

Number

51

State

Federal Republic of Germany

Pages count

8

URL

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202410167

BibTex

@article{BUT189772,
  author="Xianghua {Wu} and Xia {Peng} and Long {Ren} and Jianguo {Guan} and Martin {Pumera}",
  title="Reconfigurable Magnetic Liquid Metal Microrobots: A Regenerable Solution for the Capture and Removal of Micro/Nanoplastics",
  journal="Advanced functional materials",
  year="2024",
  volume="34",
  number="51",
  pages="8",
  doi="10.1002/adfm.202410167",
  issn="1616-3028",
  url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202410167"
}