Band Engineering versus Catalysis: Enhancing the Self-Propulsion of Light-Powered MXene-Derived Metal–TiO₂ Micromotors To Degrade Polymer Chains

Abstract

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Light-powered micro- and nanomotors based on photocatalytic semiconductors convert light into mechanical energy, allowing self-propulsion and various functions. Despite recent progress, the ongoing quest to enhance their speed remains crucial, as it holds the potential for further accelerating mass transfer-limited chemical reactions and physical processes. This study focuses on multilayered MXene-derived metal–TiO 2 micromotors with different metal materials to investigate the impact of electronic properties of the metal–semiconductor junction, such as energy band bending and built-in electric field, on self-propulsion. By asymmetrically depositing Au or Ag layers on thermally annealed Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene microparticles using sputtering, Janus structures are formed with Schottky junctions at the metal–semiconductor interface. Under UV light irradiation, Au–TiO 2 micromotors show higher self-propulsion velocities due to the stronger built-in electric field, enabling efficient photogenerated charge carrier separation within the semiconductor and higher hole accumulation beneath the Au layer. On the contrary, in 0.1 wt % H 2 O 2, Ag–TiO 2 micromotors reach higher velocities both in the presence and absence of UV light irradiation, owing to the superior catalytic properties of Ag in H 2 O 2 decomposition. Due to the widespread use of plastics and polymers, and the consequent occurrence of nano/microplastics and polymeric waste in water, Au–TiO 2 micromotors were applied in water remediation to break down polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains, which were used as a model for polymeric pollutants in water. These findings reveal the interplay between electronic properties and catalytic activity in metal–semiconductor junctions, offering insights into the future design of powerful light-driven micro- and nanomotors with promising implications for water treatment and photocatalysis applications.