Diffused phase transition boosted dye degradation with Ba (ZrxTi1−x)O3 solid solutions through piezoelectric effect

Abstract

Micron-sized Ba(Zr x Ti 1−x )O 3 particles have been prepared using the conventional solid state method, and their microstructure, morphology and piezocatalytic properties have been investigated in detail. The present study shows that Ba(Zr 0.05 Ti 0.95 )O 3 is a relaxor-like ferroelectric having a typical perovskite structure with existence of polar nanodomain regions at room temperature. With the increase of the degree of diffuseness γ, the piezoelectric properties increased. Also, the particles exhibit good piezocatalytic performance in degrading organic pollutants with the aid of ultrasonic vibration. The catalytic activity can be significantly improved by poling, i.e. the alignment of polarization using an applied electric field. The catalytic degradation ratio of RhB, MB and MO dyes for poled Ba(Zr 0.05 Ti 0.95 )O 3 particles is reached ~95%、~70% and ~65% after 90 min, respectively. Our results also reveal that the existence of polar nanodomain due to the diffuse phase transition can highly boost the catalytic activity of the Ba(Zr 0.05 Ti 0.95 )O 3 particles, which can be used as multifunctional catalyst for degrading organic pollutions. • The diffuse phase transition can enhance the piezocatalytic activity. • The polar nanodomains are responsible for high piezocatalytic performance. • The polar nanodomains can induce local polarization and inhomogeneity. • Micron-sized Ba(Zr 0.05 Ti 0.95 )O 3 particles display RhB degradation of 95%.