Piezocatalytic techniques and materials for degradation of organic pollutants from aqueous solution

Abstract

With the rapid development of industry, agriculture, and urbanization, various organic pollutants have accumulated in natural water, posing a potential threat to both the ecological environment and human beings, and removing organic pollutants from water is an urgent priority. Piezoelectric techniques, with the advantages of green, simple operation, and high efficiency, are highly sought after in the degradation of environmental organic pollutants. Moreover, combining piezoelectric techniques with advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), photocatalysis, or electrocatalysis can further effectively promote the efficient degradation of target pollutants. Therefore, a perspective is presented on the recent progress of piezoelectric techniques for the degradation of various organic pollutants from aqueous solutions. The classification of various piezoelectric materials, as well as modification strategies for improving piezocatalysis, are first systematically summarized. Furthermore, the latest research on piezocatalysis and its combination with other technologies, such as AOPs, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis, in the degradation of environmental pollutants is discussed. The potential mechanisms of piezocatalysis are also analyzed in depth. Finally, the urgent challenges and future opportunities for piezoelectric techniques in the degradation of organic pollutants are provided.