Self‐Asymmetric Yolk–Shell Photocatalytic ZnO Micromotors
Linlin Wang, Mino Borrelli, Juliane Simmchen
Abstract
Abstract Large‐scale fabrication of self‐propelled micromotors is crucial to reach practical applications, but batch processes in manufacture make it challenging. Here, a novel ZnO yolk‐shell structure from large‐scale synthesis is introduced as photocatalytic micromotor. The self‐asymmetry of the yolk‐shell structure enables them to create asymmetric gradients, leading to autonomous motion. Benefiting from the inner void space, the ZnO micromotors possess higher incident light utilization and a larger surface area for photocatalytic reactions. Moreover, when exposed to hydrogen peroxide, ZnO partially transforms into ZnO 2 forming a beneficial ZnO 2 /ZnO heterojunction for separation of photo‐generated carriers, enhancing the photochemical reactions and thereby the motion. This combination of yolk‐shell structure and ZnO 2 /ZnO heterojunction formation provides a prospective approach for large‐scale asymmetric micromotor fabrication and may open new horizons for designing versatile photocatalytic micromotors.