Barium titanate/ZnAl-layered double hydroxide catalysts for piezoelectrically enhanced photocatalytic degradation of coexisting pollutants and antibiotic resistance genes

Composite materials consisting of BaTiO₃/ZnAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) were synthesized utilizing a combination of self-assembly and hydrothermal techniques, displaying outstanding piezoelectric characteristics. When subjected to ultrasonic vibration and visible light (VSL) irradiation, these composites demonstrated superior piezoelectric photocatalytic capabilities, achieving degradation rates of 99 % for NTP and a complete 100 % for TC within a span of 45 minutes. The presence of ultrasonic vibration induces polarized electric fields within the ZnAl-LDH and BaTiO₃ components. These fields support the maintenance of the intrinsic electric field strength across the heterojunction interfaces, facilitating the expedited migration of photogenerated carriers. Consequently, this enhances the efficiency of carrier separation and fosters a synergistic catalytic effect attributed to dual piezoelectricity when exposed to VSL. This investigation highlights the potential of piezoelectric photocatalysis in efficiently removing pollutants, suggesting its applicability in the treatment of municipal wastewater and sterilization processes, and offers innovative perspectives for advancing piezoelectric photocatalyst development.