Lattice strain engineered reactive oxygen species generation of NaNbO3 ferroelectric

The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) using ambient mechanical energy with piezoelectric materials is emerging as a promising method for producing renewable green oxidants. However, the low piezoelectricity and limited electron-hole pair separation efficiency significantly hinder its productivity. Here, non-stoichiometric Na1-xNbO3-δ perovskites with lattice strain and ferroelectric enhancement were successfully designed to boost the piezo-catalytic activity. Significantly, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide radicals (•O2-), and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) were powerfully generated by the Na0.95NbO2.975 piezo-catalyst through redox reaction with rates of 362.4, 69.3, and 65.0 µmol∙g-1∙h-1, respectively, and the yield of H2O2 was approximately three times higher than that of the stoichiometric NaNbO3. The elevated piezoelectricity and polarization electric field effects induced by lattice strain could promote the generation of electron-hole pairs and drive them to separate facilely. The distribution of sodium vacancies and oxygen vacancies in the crystal lattice enhanced the diffusion of carriers for fast migration to the opposite surface of the catalyst. Furthermore, the presence of Na defects enhanced the adsorption of O2 on the Na1-xNbO3-δ surface and contributed to the catalytic generation of H2O2. This work provides a novel and effective methodology for the design of high-performance piezo-catalysts with lattice-strained engineering and broadens the strategy for improved H2O2 evolution efficiency.