Abstract
Membranes of poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) and related polymers are used as piezoelectric materials to decompose rhodamine B (RhB) under low power sonication. The change in the visible spectrum of RhB allows determination of the rate constants for different polymer compositions and membrane thicknesses. The results indicate that the piezoelectric field generated by mechanical deformation of the polymers catalyzes the scission of the C–N bond in RhB. When PVDF is doped with transition-metal nitrates to increase the fraction of the piezoelectric β-phase, the rate constants increase, but the analysis is complicated by concurrent adsorption of RhB onto the membrane. A mechanism consistent with the observed data is proposed where the piezocatalytic effect of the membrane is to heterolytically cleave the C–N bond followed by formation of a C–Cl bond on the new xanthene ring.
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.
