Advancements in piezo-photocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen generation and pollutant degradation : a comprehensive overview of piezo-photocatalysis

Abstract

Photocatalysis and piezocatalysis have been extensively employed in energy production and environmental restoration applications. However, the photocatalysis process suffers from rapid recombination of photogenerated electrons (e−) and holes (h+), limiting its practical application. Recently, the piezoelectric effect, which relies on the conversion of mechanical energy to trigger chemical reactions, has shown promise. It can produce an internal piezoelectric field under mechanical vibration, promoting the separation and migration of photogenerated charge carriers. This enhancement leads to significantly improved photocatalytic performance. However, there are still limited reports on other strategies to improve the performance of piezo-photocatalysts. Therefore, a comprehensive review was conducted to categorize the development of piezo-photocatalysts, detailing their classifications, synthetic methods and construction strategies, as well as their applications in energy production and wastewater treatment. This review aims to address the present challenges and future prospects of piezo-photocatalysis, providing clarity on its developmental trajectory. HIGHLIGHTS • Overview of classification and synthesis of piezo-photocatalyst, including hydrothermal and solvothermal methods. • Strategies for modifying piezo-photocatalys to improve catalytic perfomance. • Structural properties and bandgap engineering for improved charge separation. • Analysis of piezo-photocatalytic performance in hydrogen production and wastewater treatment. • Challenges and future directions for optimizing perfomance and scalability of piezo-photocatalyst.