A group of Concordia researchers has developed the primary micromotors able to transferring by way of the air utilizing solely gentle as their energy supply. These tiny, pollen-shaped particles measure about 12 microns vast—roughly one-tenth the thickness of a human hair. Product of zinc oxide and coated with gold, they use warmth from near-infrared gentle to raise and propel themselves with none gas or batteries.
When a beam of sunshine strikes the micromotors, the gold absorbs power and heats the encompassing air. This warmth creates light convection currents—like rising heat air—that push the particles upward and permit them to maneuver in managed instructions. By adjusting the place of the sunshine, the researchers can steer their movement.
Till now, micromotors might solely transfer in liquid environments, the place buoyancy helps their movement. Reaching managed motion in air is way harder due to gravity and the dearth of a surrounding fluid. This breakthrough might result in airborne functions akin to microscopic sensors that detect pollution or particles designed to assist clear the air.
The research is printed within the journal Superior Supplies.
Extra data:
Pedro Mena‐Giraldo et al, Mild‐Activated Micromotors in Air Propelled by Thermal Convection, Superior Supplies (2025). DOI: 10.1002/adma.202505959
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Concordia College
Quotation:
Mild-powered micromotors can transfer by way of air (2025, November 13)
retrieved 15 November 2025
from https://phys.org/information/2025-11-powered-micromotors-air.html
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