Pyroelectric catalysis

Abstract

Thermal energy derived from temperature fluctuation is one of the most clean natural energy sources in our living environment. Pyroelectric materials that feature for temperature oscillation dependent spontaneous polarization can generate usable electrical power and polarized charge carriers with a high energy conversion efficiency. Thus, pyroelectrics emerge as catalysts, which provide a promising approach to alleviating severe environmental contamination, energy crisis and biomedical issues. In this review, a comprehensive summary with first insight on the research progress of pyroelectric catalysis was provided. It starts with the introduction of some typical pyroelectric materials and pyroelectric effects. Then the fundamentals and mechanisms of pyroelectric catalysis were proposed. Highlighted are the pyroelectric catalytic applications, including disinfection and dynamic therapy, decomposition of pollutants and water splitting, and the strategies for enhancing pyroelectric catalytic efficiency put forward from diverse perspectives. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects in pyroelectric catalysis are discussed as a conclusion. This review provides a timely and comprehensive summary on pyroelectric catalysis. The typical materials, fundamentals, mechanisms and diverse applications of pyroelectric catalysis, including disinfection and dynamic therapy, decomposition of pollutants and water splitting, were demonstrated. The strategies for enhancing pyroelectric catalytic efficiency were summarized from diverse perspectives. • Some typical pyroelectric materials and pyroelectric effects were introduced. • The fundamentals and mechanisms of pyroelectric catalysis were proposed. • Diverse pyroelectric catalytic applications are highlighted. • Strategies for enhancing pyroelectric catalytic efficiency were proposed.