Microrobots enhancing synthetic chemistry reactions in non-aqueous media

Abstract

Catalysis is a foundational pillar of modern synthetic chemistry, essential for countless industrial processes. Traditional catalysts are often static, either immobilized or dispersed in fluid media. The innovative concept of catalytic microrobots allows the introduction of self-propelled and navigable catalyst particles that are engineered for dynamic and customizable catalysis. Catalytic microrobots are microscale devices with the inherent ability to move and swarm, designed to execute complex tasks in diverse environments, including biomedicine, and environmental remediation. Typically confined to aqueous media, their use in synthetic chemical reactions remains largely unexplored. Here, microrobots are presented as adaptable self-propelled, self-mixing micro-catalysts for the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation, a key industrial process. Zeolite microstructures are tailored, outfitted with magnetic nanoparticles to create zeolite-based microrobots (ZeoBOTs) that are maneuverable in magnetic fields. Uniquely, these ZeoBOTs are not limited to water but can operate in organic solvents, facilitating the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation in non-aqueous conditions. Comparative analysis with static ZeoBOTs reveals that the dynamic, "on-the-fly" movement of the microrobots significantly enhances reaction yields. The findings herald a new era for synthetic chemistry, demonstrating the potential of microrobots as versatile catalysts beyond aqueous systems, and setting the stage for their broader application in synthetic processes.