Recent advances of piezo-catalysis and photocatalysis for efficient environmental remediation

The efficient degradation of organic pollutants in diverse environmental matrices can be achieved through the synergistic application of piezo-catalysis and photocatalysis. The focus of this study is on understanding the fundamental principles and mechanisms that govern the collaborative action of piezoelectric and photocatalytic materials. Piezoelectric nanomaterials, under mechanical stress, generate piezo-potential, which, when coupled with photocatalysts, enhances the generation and separation of charge carriers. The resulting cascade of redox reactions promotes the degradation of a wide spectrum of organic pollutants. The comprehensive investigation involves a variety of experimental techniques, including advanced spectroscopy and microscopy, to elucidate the intricate interplay between mechanical and photoinduced processes. The influence of key parameters, such as material composition, morphology, and external stimuli on the catalytic performance, is systematically explored. This study contributes to the increasing knowledge of environmental remediation and lays the foundation for the development of advanced technologies using piezo and photocatalysis for sustainable pollutant removal.