Isotropic Hedgehog-Shaped-TiO₂/Functional-Multiwall-Carbon-Nanotube Micromotors with Phototactic Motility in Fuel-Free Environments

Directional motion in response to specific signals is critically important for micro/nanomotors in precise cargo transport, obstacle avoidance, collective control, and complex maneuvers. In this work, a kind of isotropic light-driven micromotor that is made of hedgehog-shaped TiO2 and functional multiwall carbon nanotubes (Hs-TiO2@FCNTs) has been developed. The FCNTs are closely entangled with Hs-TiO2 and form a close-knit matrix on the surface of Hs-TiO2, which facilitates the transfer of electrons from Hs-TiO2 to FCNTs. Due to the high redox potential of Hs-TiO2, excellent electron–hole separation efficiency by the addition of FCNTs, and isotropic morphology of the micromotor, these Hs-TiO2@FCNT micromotors show phototactic and fuel-free propulsion under unidirectional irradiation of UV light. It is the first time to demonstrate isotropic micromotors that are propelled by self-electrophoresis. The isotropy of Hs-TiO2@FCNT micromotors makes them immune to the rotational Brownian diffusion and local flows, exhibiting superior directionality. The motion direction of our micromotors can be precisely tuned by light and a velocity of 8.9 μm/s is achieved under 160 mW/cm2 UV light illumination. Photodegradation of methylene blue and active transportation of polystyrene beads are demonstrated for a proof-of-concept application of our micromotors. The isotropic design of the Hs-TiO2@FCNT micromotors with enhanced photocatalytic properties unfolds a new paradigm for addressing the limitations of directionality control and chemical fuels in the current asymmetric light-driven micromotors.