BaTiO3 Nanorod-Conjugated Silica Gel for Ultrasonic Water Purification via Piezocatalytic Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species

Piezoelectric nanomaterials offer a green and environmentally friendly approach for water purification where ultrasound or water/air flow can be used for degradation of toxic organics and bacterial disinfection. The principle involves the generation of reactive oxygen species at the piezoelectric nanoparticle surface via external pressure-induced transient local charge generation followed by electrochemical reaction that initiates the oxidative degradation processes. However, coupling of a highly piezoelectric material with an appropriate water purification platform is little explored. Here, we have designed a highly piezoelectric material-based composite and coupled with a commercially available ultrasound platform for water purification application. In particular, the piezoelectric BaTiO3 nanorod is chemically conjugated with silica gel and used for ultrasound-based degradation of toxic chemicals and destruction of cells. The designed materials and methods can be used as a promising alternative approach for water purification application.