Concordia University researchers have developed groundbreaking micromotors that harness the power of light to navigate the air. These minuscule, pollen-like particles, measuring 12 microns wide, are crafted from zinc oxide and coated with gold. When illuminated by near-infrared light, the gold absorbs energy, heating the surrounding air and generating convection currents that propel the micromotors upward. This innovative technology enables precise control over their movement, allowing researchers to steer them using light adjustments. The breakthrough is significant as it enables micromotors to operate in air, a challenging environment due to gravity and the absence of a surrounding fluid, whereas previous models were limited to liquid environments. This development opens up exciting possibilities for airborne applications, such as microscopic sensors for detecting pollutants or air-cleaning particles. The research, led by Professor John Capobianco, was published in Advanced Materials and supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and CMC Microsystems through the Government of Canada's FABrIC project. The study's findings offer a promising step towards advanced air-based technologies, sparking curiosity and further exploration in the field.
