Coupling of piezoelectric effect with electrochemical processes

The coupling effect between piezoelectric polarization and electrochemical processes makes possible the engineering of charge-carrier conduction characteristics at the heterojunction between a strained piezoelectric material and a chemical solution. It is a unique subcategory of piezotronics. This mini review paper introduces the fundamental principles of such coupling effects. Applications of this coupling effect are reviewed and discussed in several different aspects, including selective etching enabled by piezo(ferro)-electric polarization; selective (photo)electrochemical deposition directed by piezo(ferro)-electric potential; and the direct utilization of piezoelectric potential to drive electrochemical reactions (piezocatalysis). At the end, perspectives of this coupling effect are discussed as a new approach in the fields of corrosion management, nanomanufacturing and renewable energy conversion. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.