Recent advances in metal titanate-based piezocatalysts: Enhancing catalytic performance through improved piezoelectric properties and regulated carrier transport

Abstract

Piezocatalysis, as an emerging technology, holds the promise for providing sustainable solutions to environmental remediation and energy management through mechanical energy utilization. Metal titanates (MTs) are well-known for their outstanding piezoelectric response, positioning them as the primary candidates for catalysts in this field. Moreover, their eco-friendly and cost-effective attributes have made them the focus of considerable attention among researchers. However, the insufficient piezocatalytic activity continues to constrain the practical application of MTs. Confronted with suboptimal energy conversion efficiency, enhancing the response to mechanical energy and reducing the subsequent conversion losses are pivotal for improving the piezocatalytic performance. This review commences with the classification and introduction of various MTs relevant to the field of piezocatalysis. Subsequently, the main methods for preparing MTs are presented. Particularly, the design strategies of MTs with excellent piezocatalytic properties are discussed from the perspectives of improving piezoelectric properties and regulating carrier transport, including construction of morphotropic phase boundary, strain engineering, Curie point control, external field-induced polarization, oriented crystal growth, co-catalyst loading, carbon modification, and semiconductor heterostructure construction. Finally, comprehensive challenges to the development of piezocatalytic technology are presented to promote the rational design and practical application of piezocatalysts.