Advancements in Visible Light-Driven Micro/nanomotors for Photodegradation of Environmental Pollutants

Visible light-driven motors (Vis-LDM) have shown significant potential for water decontamination processes through the synergistic interaction between their active movement and photocatalytic properties, enabling more efficient degradation of organic pollutants. This review highlights recent advances in Vis-LDM photocatalysts for sustainable environmental pollution mitigation. Innovations include fuelless Vis-LDM with hybrid structures and crystalline materials, and biofuel alternatives like water and glucose, though logistical challenges persist. The use of natural materials like lignin and cellulose nanocrystals promotes sustainability but faces energy conversion efficiency challenges. Strategies to enhance efficiency, such as doping and heterojunction formation, are discussed. Advances in stability, reuse, and magnetic recovery capabilities are also reviewed. Collective behavior and environmental adaptability are explored to improve catalytic efficiency. Despite the presented advances, definitive solutions to these limitations have not yet been found. A perspective on the directions for future research is also included in this review, namely the need to resolve issues of scalability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental compatibility. Additionally, investing in Vis-LDM with programmable routes and precise navigation can enhance versatility and accuracy. Selective behavior to target hazardous contaminants is important; the molecular imprinting technique being a potential solution. Future research should also focus on real-world testing and navigation improvements. Overcoming these challenges is essential to fully harness the potential of Vis-LDM for environmental remediation and global environmental health.