PMN-PT nanoparticle/SnO2 nanofiber heterostructures: Enhanced photocatalytic degradation performance by ultrasonic wave induced piezoelectric field

Effective charge separation is of importance in increasing the efficiency of photocatalysts used in removing common industrial toxic dye in wastewater. The alternative spatial electric field produced by the piezoelectric effect, when combined with the semiconductor photocatalyst, can significantly accelerate the charge separation. In this study, lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate 0.65Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O-3-0.35PbTiO(3) (PMN-PT) nanoparticles and tin dioxide (SnO2) nanofibers were synthesized using colloidal coating method and electrospinning synthesis methods, respectively. PMN-PT@SnO2 composites were prepared as a novel heterostructured photocatalyst for the degradation of dye molecules in wastewater. Degradation of an organic dye pollutant in the presence of SnO2 nanofibers or PMN-PT@SnO2 nanocomposite photocatalysts were investigated under magnetic stirring and/or ultrasonic wave vibration conditions. Morphologies and electrical properties of pure and composite samples were also investigated. It was observed that the photocatalytic efficiency of PMN-PT@SnO2 piezoelectric-based photocatalysts could be increased by about 29% in the magnetic stirring and 32% in the ultrasonic wave vibration, respectively. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Effective charge separation is crucial for improving the efficiency of photocatalysts in removing industrial toxic dye in wastewater. The combination of the piezoelectric effect and the semiconductor photocatalyst can significantly accelerate charge separation, leading to an increase in photocatalytic efficiency by about 29% under magnetic stirring and 32% under ultrasonic wave vibration.