Abstract
Abstract In this paper, ZnO photocatalytic activity was enhanced by a built-in piezoelectric field due to the piezoelectric effect of ZnO nanorods (NRs). A simple, practical, and self-powered device was designed to simulate and harvest the very low energy of ocean waves. By testing the degradation efficiency of ZnO for different polar dyes (methyl orange, natural red and rhodamine B), the role of the dynamic built-in electric field in the photocatalytic process was illustrated. The changing piezoelectric field acts as a “photo-induced carrier storage” in that the photo-induced carriers would be separated, stored, and released on the ZnO NR surfaces incessantly, improving the separation efficiency of photo-induced carriers in the ZnO NR array. The intensity and frequency of the built-in oscillating piezoelectric field are proportional to the ZnO NR array photocatalytic efficiency. The sustainable piezo-photocatalytic performance of the ZnO NR arrays should promote further applications of ZnO photocatalyst in pollution degradation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
