Each tube-shaped microbot is a sandwich of three materials. A graphene outer
layer, which binds to heavy metals. A middle layer of nickel, which gives the bots
magnetic polarity, so they can be pulled through wastewater with magnets. And
platinum inside—for propulsion. Just add a bit of peroxide to the wastewater,
and it'll react with the platinum to form water and oxygen bubbles, which propel
the tubes along.
Steeeve
Each tube-shaped microbot is a sandwich of three materials. A graphene outer layer, which binds to heavy metals. A middle layer of nickel, which gives the bots magnetic polarity, so they can be pulled through wastewater with magnets. And platinum inside—for propulsion. Just add a bit of peroxide to the wastewater, and it'll react with the platinum to form water and oxygen bubbles, which propel the tubes along.