Improved Piezo-Photocatalytic Performance of Ultra-Thin Batio3 Nanosheets with Exposed {001} Facets

Abstract

The catalyst's photocatalytic efficiency is significantly influenced by the extent of the separation distance between photogenerated electrons and holes. In this study, ultra-thin tetragonal BaTiO3 nanosheets with a thickness of about 20 nm and exposed {001} facets were successfully prepared using the hydrothermal method. Photocatalytic degradation studies were subsequently conducted. The ultra-thin nanosheet structure possess a higher deformability, significantly larger specific surface area and better light transmission. Driven by the out-plane piezoelectric fields perpendicular to {001} facets, the charge carriers travel a short way toward the surface sides of the BaTiO3 nanosheets to participate in catalytic reactions, effectively reducing the carrier recombination. Additionally, the existence of surface oxygen vacancies further promotes carrier separation. The effectiveness of MB's deterioration by BaTiO3 nanosheets reaches 93.87% within 60 minutes when subjected to simultaneous ultrasound and light stimulation, surpassing the capabilities of both BaTiO3 nanowires and BaTiO3 nanoparticles. By precisely controlling the microstructure, the piezo-photocatalysis performance of this material is enhanced, presenting a novel approach to further augment its catalytic efficacy.

Keywords: BaTiO3, ultra-thin, nanosheets, piezo-photocatalytic, degradation