Solution‐Synthesized Multifunctional Janus Nanotree Microswimmer

Synthetic active matters are perfect model systems for non‐equilibrium thermodynamics and of great potential for novel biomedical and environmental applications. However, most applications are limited by the complicated and low‐yield preparation, while a scalable synthesis for highly functional micr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Advanced functional materials 2021-11, Vol.31 (48), p.n/a
Main Authors: Dai, Jia, Cheng, Xiang, Li, Xiaofeng, Wang, Zhisheng, Wang, Yufeng, Zheng, Jing, Liu, Jun, Chen, Jiawei, Wu, Changjin, Tang, Jinyao
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biocompatibility
Decontamination
Electric fields
Electrophoresis
gold‐loaded titania‐silica nanotrees
Materials science
microswimmer
Near infrared radiation
Radiation
Silicon dioxide
solution synthesis
Synthesis
Thermodynamic equilibrium
Thermophoresis
Water purification
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Summary:Synthetic active matters are perfect model systems for non‐equilibrium thermodynamics and of great potential for novel biomedical and environmental applications. However, most applications are limited by the complicated and low‐yield preparation, while a scalable synthesis for highly functional microswimmers is highly desired. In this paper, an all‐solution synthesis method is developed where the gold‐loaded titania‐silica nanotree can be produced as a multi‐functional self‐propulsion microswimmer. By applying light, heat, and electric field, the Janus nanotree demonstrated multi‐mode self‐propulsion, including photochemical self‐electrophoresis by UV and visible light radiation, thermophoresis by near‐infrared light radiation, and induced‐charge electrophoresis under AC electric field. Due to the scalable synthesis, the Janus nanotree is further demonstrated as a high‐efficiency, low‐cost, active adsorbent for water decontamination, where the toxic mercury ions can be reclaimed with enhanced efficiency. Colloid synthesis can be adopted to synthesize the multicomposition gold‐loaded titania‐silica nanotree with a high yield. Demonstration of the nanotree multifunctionality under photoelectrophoresis by UV and visible light radiation, thermophoresis by near‐infrared radiation, and AC electric field with induced‐charge electrophoresis is achieved. The nanotree could be applied as a regenerable decontamination vehicle to effectively remove and reclaim mercury ions for water treatment.
ISSN:1616-301X
1616-3028
DOI:10.1002/adfm.202106204