Abstract
The rise of miniaturized artificial self-powered devices, demonstrating autonomous motion, has brought in new considerations from the environmental perspective. This review addresses the interplay between these nano/ micro/macromotors and the environment, recent advances, and their applications in pollution management. Such selfpropelled devices are able to actuate chemical energy into mechanical motion in situ, adding another powerful dimension towards solving environmental problems. Use of synthetic nano/micro/macromotors has demonstrated potential in environmental remediation, both in pollutant removal and contaminant degradation, owing to motion-induced mixing. At the same time, the chemical environment exerts influence on the locomotion of the motors. These sensitized self-powered devices demonstrate capabilities for being deployed as sensors and their chemotactic behaviors show efficacy to act as first responders towards a chemical leakage. Thus, the notion of a self-propelling entity also entails further investigation into its inherent toxicity and possible implications as a pollutant. Future challenges and outlook of the use of these miniaturized devices are discussed, with specific regard to the fields of environmental remediation and monitoring, as we move towards their wider acceptance. We believe that these tiny machines will stand up to the task as solutions for environmental sustainability in the 21st century.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 58-72 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Journal | Chemistry - A European Journal |
| Volume | 21 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2015 Jan 2 |
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All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Catalysis
- Chemistry(all)
- Organic Chemistry
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Chemical energy powered nano/micro/macromotors and the environment. / Moo, James Guo Sheng; Pumera, Martin.
In: Chemistry - A European Journal, Vol. 21, No. 1, 02.01.2015, p. 58-72.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Chemical energy powered nano/micro/macromotors and the environment
AU - Moo, James Guo Sheng
AU - Pumera, Martin
PY - 2015/1/2
Y1 - 2015/1/2
N2 - The rise of miniaturized artificial self-powered devices, demonstrating autonomous motion, has brought in new considerations from the environmental perspective. This review addresses the interplay between these nano/ micro/macromotors and the environment, recent advances, and their applications in pollution management. Such selfpropelled devices are able to actuate chemical energy into mechanical motion in situ, adding another powerful dimension towards solving environmental problems. Use of synthetic nano/micro/macromotors has demonstrated potential in environmental remediation, both in pollutant removal and contaminant degradation, owing to motion-induced mixing. At the same time, the chemical environment exerts influence on the locomotion of the motors. These sensitized self-powered devices demonstrate capabilities for being deployed as sensors and their chemotactic behaviors show efficacy to act as first responders towards a chemical leakage. Thus, the notion of a self-propelling entity also entails further investigation into its inherent toxicity and possible implications as a pollutant. Future challenges and outlook of the use of these miniaturized devices are discussed, with specific regard to the fields of environmental remediation and monitoring, as we move towards their wider acceptance. We believe that these tiny machines will stand up to the task as solutions for environmental sustainability in the 21st century.
AB - The rise of miniaturized artificial self-powered devices, demonstrating autonomous motion, has brought in new considerations from the environmental perspective. This review addresses the interplay between these nano/ micro/macromotors and the environment, recent advances, and their applications in pollution management. Such selfpropelled devices are able to actuate chemical energy into mechanical motion in situ, adding another powerful dimension towards solving environmental problems. Use of synthetic nano/micro/macromotors has demonstrated potential in environmental remediation, both in pollutant removal and contaminant degradation, owing to motion-induced mixing. At the same time, the chemical environment exerts influence on the locomotion of the motors. These sensitized self-powered devices demonstrate capabilities for being deployed as sensors and their chemotactic behaviors show efficacy to act as first responders towards a chemical leakage. Thus, the notion of a self-propelling entity also entails further investigation into its inherent toxicity and possible implications as a pollutant. Future challenges and outlook of the use of these miniaturized devices are discussed, with specific regard to the fields of environmental remediation and monitoring, as we move towards their wider acceptance. We believe that these tiny machines will stand up to the task as solutions for environmental sustainability in the 21st century.
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84920439103&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1002/chem.201405011
DO - 10.1002/chem.201405011
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84920439103
VL - 21
SP - 58
EP - 72
JO - Chemistry - A European Journal
JF - Chemistry - A European Journal
SN - 0947-6539
IS - 1
ER -