Piezoelectric barium titanate/ PVDF-HFP nanocomposite-mediated soft ultrasound assisted organic dye degradation and antibacterial therapy against Bacillus subtilis and Vibrio cholerae

Contaminants such as pathogens, chemicals, and pollutants in untreated wastewater pose serious public health risks. Addressing these concerns is crucial as environmental awareness continues to grow. Piezoelectric materials, known for their rapid and non-invasive treatment capabilities, have recently gained significant interest. This study introduces an innovative piezoelectric composite material integrating PVDF-HFP (polyvinyl fluoride–hexafluoropropylene) and barium titanate (BTO) nanocrystals. Specifically engineered for efficient pollutant degradation and bacterial removal, this composite demonstrates promising capabilities in environmental remediation. Under ultrasound stimulation, BTO exhibits exceptional production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), further enhanced by the biocompatibility of the PVDF-HFP membrane, which promotes ROS generation and cellular adhesion. The synergistic effect of these components significantly enhances ROS production efficiency, achieving a remarkable degradation rate of approximately 99 % for Congo Red in just 70 min under soft ultrasound. Scavenger experiments confirm hydroxyl radicals as pivotal in this process. Furthermore, the composite piezo catalyst displays robust durability across multiple experimental cycles, highlighting its practical applicability. Its high polarizability enables efficient piezoelectric power generation (≈5.03 V) through simple mechanical stimulation, yielding substantial instantaneous voltage output. Additionally, the material exhibits potent antibacterial activity achieving nearly 99 % bacterial eradication within a brief 30-min time frame. These findings highlight the versatile potential of polymeric composites incorporating BTO in diverse environmental and technological applications.