Near-infrared light-propelled Janus metal-phenolic@Au micromotors for enhanced removal of organic pollutants

•The Janus metal-phenolic@Au micromotor is constructed by depositing Au onto the particle surface.•The micromotor can make directional motion under NIR light irradiation by self-thermophoretic propulsion.•The increased dye adsorption efficiency is achieved due to enhanced movement behavior of micromotors.