Photocatalyst Perovskite Ferroelectric Nanostructures

Photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis have attracted intense research attention considering the direct conversion of renewable solar energy into chemical energy through sustainable and pollution-free routes. Recently, perovskite-type ferro/piezo-electric oxide semiconductor nanostructures have revealed significant potential as photocatalysts and photoelectrocatalysts, considering their attractive semiconducting property coupled with ferro/piezo-electric and optoelectronic properties. The integration of nanoscale dimension-related properties like shape, size effect, surface area enlargement, and quantum confinement effects with the tuneable ferro/peizo-electric properties of ferroelectric semiconductors provide ample opportunity to design novel photo(electro)catalysts. This chapter summarizes the current state of perovskite nanostructured ferroelectric photo(electro) catalysts for solar fuel production and pollutant degradation. The fundamental art of piezo/ferroelectric photo(electro)catalysis is explained with a detailed review of various synthesis and design strategies employed for the nanostructured ferroelectric semiconductor photo(electro)catalysts. The mechanism of the photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical activities of the ferroelectric photo(electro)catalysts are illustrated, explaining the light-harvesting, photocarrier generation, photocarrier separation/recombination, and transportation activities and the effect of ferro/piezo-potential. Finally, the outlook for future research and development related to ferroelectric photo(electro)catalysis is highlighted.