Reconfigurable Self‐Assembling Photocatalytic Magnetic Liquid Metal Microrobot Swarm for Microplastic Capture and Degradation

作者：Xianghua Wu, Peng Xia, Long Ren, Jianguo Guan, Martin Pumera · 发表于：Small · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1002/smll.202501351 · 被引用次数：27 · 研究领域：Micro and Nano Robotics、Modular Robots and Swarm Intelligence、Pickering emulsions and particle stabilization

Microplastic pollution has emerged as a global environmental concern, requiring effective methods for its capture and removal from ecosystems. Inspired by natural swarming behaviors, micro/nanorobot swarms are developed to address challenges in fields such as environmental remediation. An innovative solution is presented designing reconfigurable and regenerable liquid metal microrobots (LiquidBots) made from bio-friendly gallium-based liquid metal. These LiquidBots can self-assemble into swarms and actively capture microplastics through electrostatic interactions. They can be regenerated via ultrasonic treatment, allowing for repeated use without loss of efficiency. This approach offers an efficient, sustainable, and adaptable solution to the growing problem of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments.