Light-driven Ti₃C₂ MXene micromotors: self-propelled autonomous machines for photodegradation of nitroaromatic explosives

Self-propelled artificial micro/nano machines performing targeted tasks have recently attracted the research attention of materials scientists. Here, we prepare sandwich-like TiO₂@Ti₃C₂/Pt structures to serve as light-driven micromotors. A Pt layer is used to protect one side of the Ti₃C₂ nanoflakes from oxidation and also enhances its photocatalytic activity. The other side of the Ti₃C₂ nanoflakes is exposed and develops a TiO₂ layer by oxidation. Such 2D material-based micromotors allow light-driven motion and on-the-move photodegradation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. This work represents a new proof-of-concept for the use of two-dimensional materials for fuel-free light-driven micromotors with enhanced photodegradation ability toward environmental pollutants and explosives.