Bubble‐Propelled MnO 2 /NiM‐Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoflower Micromotors Enable Rapid Tetracycline Degradation

View at publisher
Authors: Zirui Huang, Chifei He, Yue Sun, Wenjuan Liu
Cited by: 2
References: 49

Abstract

Micro/nanomotors (MNMs) hold significant promise for environmental remediation, yet their practical deployment remains constrained by limited propulsion efficiency, high fabrication costs, and complex manufacturing processes. Herein, we report a facile redox reaction coupled with an in situ deposition strategy for the scalable fabrication of three‐dimensional flower‐like MnO 2 /NiM layered double hydroxide (LDH) micromotors (M = Al, Fe, or Co) for efficient tetracycline removal. Powered by hydrogen peroxide, MnO 2 catalytically decomposes H 2 O 2 to generate oxygen bubbles, which serve as the driving force for autonomous motion. Under the conditions of 3% H 2 O 2 and 0.5% SDS, the MnO 2 /NiM‐LDH micromotors exhibit good propulsion performance, achieving maximum speeds of 349.9, 244.2, and 27.3 μm/s for M = Al, Fe, and Co, respectively. During the catalytic process, reactive free radicals are generated, enabling effective tetracycline degradation. Notably, the addition of surfactants induces the accumulation of oxygen bubbles on the solution surface. This phenomenon promotes the contact between micromotors and tetracycline, thereby facilitating degradation and separation. In the test system, the MnO 2 /NiCo‐LDH micromotors exhibit outstanding performance, with up to 93.3% removal of tetracycline (100 mg/L) in neutral water. This work highlights their significant potential in the environmental remediation of organic pollutants.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Micro and Nano Robotics Biomimetic flight and propulsion mechanisms Advanced Materials and Mechanics

Publication details

Journal / source
ChemNanoMat
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
12
Issue
2
Publication date
1 February 2026
Language
EN