Demonstration of Enhanced Piezo-Catalysis for Hydrogen Generation and Water Treatment at the Ferroelectric Curie Temperature

Pham Thi, Thuy Phuong, Yan, Zhang, Nick, Gathercole, Hamideh, Khanbareh, Nguyen Phuc, Hoang Duy, Xuefan, Zhou, Dou, Zhang, Kechao, Zhou, Steve, Dunn, Chris, Bowen

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Abstract

Hydrogen can contribute significantly to the energy mix of the near future, as it is an attractive replacement for fossil fuels due to its high energy density and low greenhouse gas emission. A fascinating approach is to use the polarization change of a ferroelectric due to an applied stress or temperature change to achieve piezo- or pyro-catalysis for both H2 generation and wastewater treatment. We exploit low Curie temperature (Tc) ferroelectrics for polarization-driven electrochemical reactions, where the large changes in polarization and high activity of a ferroelectric near its Tc provides a novel avenue for such materials. We present experimental evidence for enhanced water splitting and rhodamine B degradation via piezo-catalysis by ultrasonic excitation at its Tc. Such work provides an effective strategy for water splitting/treatment systems that employ low Tc ferroelectrics under the action of mechanical stress or/and thermal fluctuations.

Original languageEnglish
Article number101095
JournaliScience
Volume23
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 May 2020

Keywords

  • Catalysis
  • Ceramics
  • Electrochemical Energy Production

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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