Enhancement of NiTiO₃ piezocatalytic hydrogen evolution by doping with large radius elements

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Piezocatalysis offers a direct route to convert mechanical energy into chemical energy.
• Developing efficient catalysts is crucial for sustainable hydrogen production.
• NiTiO3 is explored for piezocatalytic applications for the first time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of NiTiO3 in piezocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
• To enhance the piezoelectric properties of NiTiO3 through doping.
• To evaluate the hydrogen generation rate of doped NiTiO3 materials.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of NiTiO3 and its doped variants.
• Characterization of crystal structure and piezoelectric response.
• Measurement of hydrogen gas evolution under mechanical vibration.

Main Results:

• NiTiO3 exhibits piezocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution.
• Doping with large radius elements, particularly Cadmium (Cd), enhances noncentral symmetry and piezoelectric response.
• Cd-doped NiTiO3 achieved a hydrogen generation rate of 1.52 mmol g-1 h-1, a 13-fold increase over pristine NiTiO3.

Conclusions:

• NiTiO3 is a promising material for piezocatalytic hydrogen production.
• Doping strategies can effectively improve the performance of piezocatalysts.
• Cd-doped NiTiO3 demonstrates significant potential for efficient and sustainable hydrogen generation.