Micro- and nanomotors are synthetic devices that can transform various sources of energy into motion. These devices perform specialized tasks as they propel themselves in response to stimuli. The application of self-propelled micro- and nanomachines in wastewater treatment has been of prime importance in the last decade. Compared to static decontamination systems, micro- and nanomachines can remove or degrade water pollutants in a much more rapid way owing to higher diffusion rates and fluxes. The present review focuses on the recent progress of micro- and nanomachines in wastewater treatment and provides an overview of their structural features, synthesis procedures, and propulsion mechanisms. We reviewed the applications of micro- and nanomachines to remove heavy metals, dyes, and organic pollutants from wastewater. We also discussed the challenges micro- and nanomotors face during wastewater treatment, thus providing a holistic approach to the article. This article highlights the shortcomings as well as the opportunities for micro- and nanomotors-based technology in wastewater treatment.

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对微型和纳米电机的批判性评论：在废水处理中的应用

微型和纳米马达是可以将各种能源转化为运动的合成装置。这些设备执行专门的任务，因为它们响应刺激而推动自己。在过去的十年中，自走式微型和纳米机器在废水处理中的应用一直是最重要的。与静态去污系统相比，由于更高的扩散速率和通量，微型和纳米机器可以更快地去除或降解水污染物。本综述重点介绍了微型和纳米机器在废水处理方面的最新进展，并概述了它们的结构特征、合成过程和推进机制。我们回顾了微米和纳米机器在去除废水中重金属、染料和有机污染物方面的应用。我们还讨论了微型和纳米电机在废水处理过程中面临的挑战，从而为本文提供了一个整体方法。本文重点介绍了基于微型和纳米电机的技术在废水处理中的缺点和机遇。