Tribocatalytic activity of poled BaCuxTi1-xO3-x nanofibers for degradation of organic dye

Abstract

BaCu_xTi_1-xO_3-x (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04) nanofibers were synthesized via the hydrothermal method and subsequently subjected to poling. The impact of composition on their tribocatalytic performance and the underlying catalytic mechanism were investigated. After 100 min, all poled BaCu_xTi_1-xO_3-x nanofibers exhibited superior tribocatalytic efficiency compared to pure BaTiO₃, with BaCu_0.02Ti_0.98O_2.98 poled nanofibers achieving a degradation rate of up to 80 % for RhB solution. This is because the increased conductivity and reduced carrier recombination rate which were caused by a 0.02 Cu doping, smaller grain size and poling effect. Control experiments confirmed that both stirring and the presence of a catalyst are essential prerequisites for tribocatalysis. Furthermore, the universality, selectivity, stability, and main active group O₂^– of poled BaCu_xTi_1-xO_3-x (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04) nanofibers were verified. Lastly, although the tribocatalytic efficiency presented in this paper does not match that of piezoelectric catalysis, the latter requires ultrasonic conditions that are challenging to find naturally. As a result, tribocatalysis offers greater potential for practical applications.