Performance and mechanism of multi-method driven piezocatalysis on PNN-PT based catalysts

Piezocatalysis presents an innovative catalytic technique that utilizes the piezoelectric properties of catalysts to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, thereby driving chemical processes. While various methods for driving piezocatalytic reactions have been developed, there is a notable absence of comprehensive research on piezocatalytic performance across multiple methods. In this context, this study explores the potential of (1-x)Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3-xPbTiO3 (PNN-PT) based catalysts as efficient piezocatalysts using both ultrasonic vibration and ball milling. The optimal reaction rate constants of the PNN-PT piezocatalyst under ultrasonic vibration and ball milling are found to be 0.0775 min-1 and 0.0265 min-1, respectively. Notably, PNN-PT-based catalysts exhibit outstanding catalytic activity up to ultra-high substrate concentrations (65 mg/L), suggesting possible industrial applications. The exploration of the reaction mechanism indicates that •OH is the main reactive radical, the catalytic reaction activity demonstrates a direct relationship with •OH quenching, and the high •OH generation rate of PNN-PT further illustrated their suitability as environmental purification catalysts.