Piezo-photo coupling effect and extended optical absorption of piezoelectric-based hybrids for efficient bisphenol A degradation

The piezo-potential induced by stress or strain in piezoelectric compounds can produce an electric field, which has been demonstrated to be an effective technique for charge shifting or transfer in the domain of photocatalysis. In this study, a judicious combination of piezoelectricity and photocatalytic performance via ZIF-67N@BiFeO3@CdS composite is designed. After integrating, the intensity and scope of photo-absorption are increased. Owing to double polar electrical field in BiFeO3 and CdS, photo­generated carriers separation and transfer are efficient in Z-scheme and type-II pathway simultaneously. Extraordinary bisphenol A removal ability is achieved under visible-light and near-infrared waveband over the piezo-photocatalysis process. The related mechanism has been investigated in detail by experimental and theoretical insights. With the synergistic effect of enhanced light harvesting and piezophoto coupling behavior, this work gives an innovative vision in developing new-type piezoelectric photocatalysts.