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 BiVO4 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.