Self-Propelled Activated Carbon Micromotors for “On-the-Fly” Capture of Nitroaromatic Explosives

Usage of nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) for industrial or military purposes leads to serious concern because of their detrimental effects on human health when they leak to groundwater. Among different ways to remove NACs from water sources, adsorption has been considered as an environmentally safe method. However, diffusion-limited characteristics of the adsorption method increase the time required to remove NACs. In this study, we utilize biocompatible and low-cost activated carbon (AC) as self-propelled micromotors for “on-the-fly” capture of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (picric acid). The micromotors effectively capture picric acid with their intrinsic movement capabilities and demonstrate effective decrease in the adsorption time. The results highlight that even a well-known adsorbent material, AC, can be further improved via “on-the-fly” adsorption capability of micromotors.