Nanoengineered Photoactive Micromotors for Targeted Pollutant Capture, Degradation, and SERS-Based Detection

Abstract

Achieving both selective pollutant degradation and real-time detection within a single micromotor system remains challenging for environmental monitoring. To address this limitation, we engineered gold-nanostar-decorated, molecularly imprinted BiVO 4 micromotors that combine simultaneous capture, photocatalytic degradation, and in situ detection of pollutants via surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Plasmonic gold nanostars provide strong SERS enhancement for real-time tracking of pollutant degradation, while micromotors maintain autonomous propulsion under visible light irradiation. Surface molecular imprinting ensures selective recognition of rhodamine 6G and synergistically improves both photocatalytic and sensing performance. This multifunctional design establishes an all-in-one micromotor platform that bridges environmental remediation and on-board monitoring, opening opportunities for advanced water treatment technologies.