Biotemplated Shell Micromotors for Efficient Degradation of Antibiotics via Enhanced Peroxymonosulfate Activation

Self-propelled magnetic MnO2@pollen micromotors have been developed as active heterogeneous catalysts of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation for efficient degradation of antibiotics. The MnO2 nanosheets (NSs) and Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) are constructed on hollow pollens with small openings, endowing the natural materials with multifunctional properties. MnO2 NSs can decompose H2O2 to provide propulsion for micromotor movement, and also cooperate with Fe3O4 NPs to activate PMS to produce active free radicals SO4 center dot-. Together with the OH center dot generated by Fe3O4 NPs and H2O2, the prepared micromotor catalyst can realize the degradation of tetracycline (TC) within several minutes. The self-propulsion and abundant bubble formation cause effective fluid mixing and intensification of mass transfer, making up the low diffusivity defect of traditional heterogeneous catalysts. Moreover, the magnetic properties lay a foundation for the long-range magnetic control and reutilization of heterogeneous catalysts, avoiding wastage and secondary contamination. The proposed self-propelled pollen micromotors provide a highly efficient, economic, and environmentally friendly platform for the degradation of antibiotics.

Automated summary

Self-propelled magnetic MnO2@pollen micromotors have been developed as active heterogeneous catalysts for efficient degradation of antibiotics. The micromotors utilize MnO2 nanosheets for propulsion and together with Fe3O4 nanoparticles, activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade antibiotics. The self-propulsion and bubble formation enhance fluid mixing and mass transfer, overcoming the diffusion limitation of traditional catalysts. Additionally, the magnetic properties enable long-range magnetic control and reutilization.