Piezocatalysis and Piezo‐Photocatalysis: Catalysts Classification and Modification Strategy, Reaction Mechanism, and Practical Application

TLDR

Piezoelectric‑based catalysis, which harnesses strain‑induced piezo‑potentials to shift or transfer charge carriers, has attracted attention, with recent research focusing on surface charge energy alteration and enhancing photo‑generated charge separation in piezoelectric–semiconductor systems. This review systematically summarizes advances in piezocatalysis and piezo‑photocatalysis, offers a comprehensive overview, and proposes future development directions in materials, assembly, and applications. The review analyzes charge‑transfer behaviors and catalytic mechanisms across diverse piezocatalysts, discusses mechanical energy types, enhancement strategies, and advanced applications.

Abstract

Abstract Piezoelectric‐based catalysis that relies on the charge energy or separation efficiency of charge carriers has attracted significant attention. The piezo‐potential induced by strain or stress can induce a giant electric field, which has been demonstrated to be an effective means for charge energy shifting or transferring electrons and holes. In recent years, intense efforts have been made in this subject, and the research has mainly focussed on two aspects: i) Alteration of surface charge energy by piezo‐potential in piezocatalysis; ii) the separation of photo‐generated charge carriers and the catalytic activity enhancement of an integrated piezoelectric semiconductor or coupled system composed of piezoelectrics and semiconductors. Systematically summarizing the advances of the above two aspects is helpful in the context of deepening understanding of the relevant issues and developing new ideas for piezoelectric‐based catalysis. In this review, a comprehensive summary on piezocatalysis and piezo‐photocatalysis is provided. The charge transfer behaviors and catalytic mechanisms over a large variety of piezocatalysts and piezo‐photocatalysts are systematically analyzed. In addition, the types of mechanical energy, strategies for enhancing piezocatalysis, and the advanced applications of piezocatalysis and piezo‐photocatalysis are discussed. Finally, the promising development directions of piezocatalysis and piezo‐photocatalysis, such as materials, assembly forms, and applications in the future are proposed.