Precision engineering of nanorobots: Toward single atom decoration and defect control for enhanced microplastic capture

Abstract

Nanorobots are being received with a great attention for their move-sense-and-act capabilities that often originate from catalytic decomposition of fuels. In the past decade, single-atom engineering has demonstrated exceptional efficiency in catalysis, energy-related technologies, and medicine. Here, a novel approach involving point defect engineering and the incorporation of platinum (Pt) single atoms and atomic level species onto the surface of titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2-NT)-based nanorobots is presented and its impact on the propulsion capabilities of the resulting nanorobots is investigated. The achievement of point defect engineering is realized through the annealing of TiO2-NT in a hydrogen atmosphere yielding to the point-defect decorated nanotube (TiO2-HNT) nanorobots. Subsequently, the atomic level Pt species decorated TiO2 nanotube (TiO2-SA-NT) nanorobots are achieved through a wet-chemical deposition process. Whereas TiO2-SA-NT nanorobots showed the highest negative photogravitaxis when irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light, TiO2-HNT nanorobots reached the highest velocity calculated in 2D. Both TiO2-HNT and TiO2-SA-NT nanorobots demonstrated a pronounced affinity for microplastics, exhibiting the capability to irreversibly capture them. This pioneering approach utilizing point-defect and atomic level Pt species nanorobotics is anticipated to pave the way for highly efficient solutions in the remediation of nano- and microplastics and related environmental technologies.