Strong pyro-catalysis of pyroelectric BiFeO3 nanoparticles under a room-temperature cold-hot alternation

Nanoscale. 2016 Apr 7;8(13):7343-50. doi: 10.1039/c6nr00972g.

Abstract

A strong pyro-catalytic dye degradation with an ultrahigh degradation efficiency (>99%) in hydrothermally synthesized pyroelectric BiFeO3 nanoparticles was achieved under a room-temperature cold-hot alternating excitation (between 27 °C to 38 °C). The pyro-catalysis originated from a combination of the pyroelectric effect and the electrochemical oxidation-reduction reaction. The intermediate products (hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals) of pyro-electro-catalysis were observed. Pyro-catalysis provides a highly efficient and reusable dye wastewater decomposition technology through utilizing environmental day-night temperature variation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't