Lanthanoid-doped BiVO4 microswimmers with built-in photon upconversion and light-driven motion†

Abstract

We report a one-step synthesis of lanthanoid-doped BiVO₄ microswimmers that integrate photon upconversion and light-driven propulsion within a single particle. Yb³⁺/Er³⁺ doping enables near-infrared-to-visible upconversion, while BiVO₄ provides photocatalytic propulsion. This straightforward strategy avoids multi-component assembly and opens up new opportunities for designing multifunctional photoactive microswimmers with intrinsic luminescence for potential use in environmental and biomedical applications.