A workforce of Concordia researchers has developed the primary micromotors able to shifting by the air utilizing solely mild as their energy supply. These tiny, pollen-shaped particles measure about 12 microns extensive—roughly one-tenth the thickness of a human hair. Made from zinc oxide and coated with gold, they use warmth from near-infrared mild to carry and propel themselves with none gasoline or batteries.
When a beam of sunshine strikes the micromotors, the gold absorbs vitality and heats the encircling 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 may solely transfer in liquid environments, the place buoyancy helps their movement. Attaining managed motion in air is way harder due to gravity and the dearth of a surrounding fluid. This breakthrough may result in airborne functions equivalent to microscopic sensors that detect pollution or particles designed to assist clear the air.
The research is revealed 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 air (2025, November 13)
retrieved 17 November 2025
from https://phys.org/information/2025-11-powered-micromotors-air.html
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