Construction of NaNbO3/CdS nanorods composites with pyroelectric effect for enhanced pyrocatalytic and antibacterial activity under room-temperature cold-hot cycles

In the present study, NaNbO 3 -CdS nanorods composites with pyroelectric effect were used to degrade RhB solution and sterilize Salmonella under room-temperature cold-hot cycles. The pyrocatalytic decomposition rate of NaNbO 3 -CdS reached 90% under 45 cold-hot (25 °C to 55 °C) cycles while the antibacterial rate of NaNbO 3 -CdS also achieved 90% under 45 cold-hot (17 °C to 37 °C) cycles. Compared with the pyrocatalytic effect of single NaNbO 3 , with the hole’s radicals and superoxide radicals as the main active species, the pyrocatalytic effect of the NaNbO 3 -CdS was significantly enhanced. It is mainly attributed to its surface electrons being captured by CdS, thereby reducing the recombination probability of electron pairs. After four repeated experiments, the high pyrocatalytic activity still maintained, which indicated that the property of NaNbO 3 -CdS composites was stable. The composite nanocatalyst has potential in the degradation of dye pollution and sterilization by temperature difference. • NaNbO 3 -CdS nanorods composites with pyroelectric effect was successfully synthesized. • Pyroelectric catalytic mechanism under room-temperature cold-hot cycles was revealed. • Superior pyrocatalytic and antibacterial activity have been obtained by NaNbO 3 -CdS. • Heterojunction effectively reduces recombination of pyroelectric electrons and holes.