Publication detail

Nano/Microplastics Capture and Degradation by Autonomous Nano/Microrobots: A Perspective

URSO, M. PUMERA, M.

Original Title

Nano/Microplastics Capture and Degradation by Autonomous Nano/Microrobots: A Perspective

Type

journal article in Web of Science

Language

English

Original Abstract

The growing use of plastic materials has led to the continuous accumulation of wastes in marine environments, which fragment into hazardous micro-and nanoplastics. These plastic particles absorb toxic organic pollutants on their surface, support bacterial biofilms growth, and propagate through the food chain, posing serious risks for human health. Therefore, nano/microplastics pollution has become a global issue, making their definitive elimination compulsory. Self-propelled nano/microrobots have demonstrated efficient removal of nano/microplastics from water, combining enhanced physicochemical properties of nano/microscale materials and active motion. During the last year, the potential of this technology to degrade nano/microplastics has been investigated. Here, the most advanced strategies for nano/microplastics capture and subsequent degradation by autonomous nano/microrobots are critically reviewed. A short introduction to the main propulsion mechanisms and experimental techniques for studying nano/microplastics degradation is also provided. Forthcoming challenges in this research field are discussed proactively. This perspective inspires future nano/microrobotic designs and approaches for water purification from nano/microplastics and other emerging pollutants.

Keywords

environmental remediation; micromotors; microplastics; nanomotors; nanoplastics; polymers; removal

Authors

URSO, M.; PUMERA, M.

Released

14. 5. 2022

Publisher

Wiley VCH

Location

WEINHEIM

ISBN

1616-3028

Periodical

Advanced functional materials

Year of study

32

Number

20

State

Federal Republic of Germany

Pages from

1

Pages to

12

Pages count

12

URL

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202112120

Full text in the Digital Library

http://hdl.handle.net/11012/208466

BibTex

@article{BUT178604,
  author="Mario {Urso} and Martin {Pumera}",
  title="Nano/Microplastics Capture and Degradation by Autonomous Nano/Microrobots: A Perspective",
  journal="Advanced functional materials",
  year="2022",
  volume="32",
  number="20",
  pages="1--12",
  doi="10.1002/adfm.202112120",
  issn="1616-3028",
  url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202112120"
}