Enhanced piezo-photocatalytic performance of Ag@Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 composites

The coupling of piezoelectric and plasmonic effects is an effective strategy to enhance the photocatalytic performances. Here we prepared the new piezoelectric composites composed of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 nanoplates coated with Ag particles, which exhibited excellent piezo-photocatalytic performances. The plasmonic effect of Ag nanoparticles widened the catalysts' spectral absorption range, and the electric field from the deformation of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 piezoelectric nanoplates can largely enhance the separation and migration efficiencies of photo-generated charge carriers in Ag@ Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 composites. With full-spectrum lights and ultrasonic excitation simultaneously, the piezo-photocatalytic activity of Ag@ Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 degraded 98.8% RhB in 30 min, and the corresponding rate constant k value reached as high as 0.146 min(-1), 7.6 times that of pure Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 photocatalysis. This work suggests a novel method to design and develop efficient piezoelectric photocatalysts. (C) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The coupling of piezoelectric and plasmonic effects has been proven to enhance the photocatalytic performances. In this study, a new piezoelectric composite composed of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 nanoplates coated with Ag particles was prepared, showing excellent piezo-photocatalytic performances. The plasmonic effect of Ag nanoparticles widened the catalysts' spectral absorption range, and the electric field from the deformation of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 piezoelectric nanoplates greatly enhanced the separation and migration efficiencies of photo-generated charge carriers in Ag@ Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 composites. With simultaneous full-spectrum lights and ultrasonic excitation, the piezo-photocatalytic activity of Ag@ Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 achieved a significant degradation rate of 98.8% RhB in just 30 minutes.