Synergetic effect of piezoelectricity and Ag deposition on photocatalytic performance of barium titanate perovskite

Abstract Modifying traditional photocatalysts has always been the focus of scientists’ efforts. Using piezoelectric potential to assist photocatalysis can improve catalytic efficiency. The catalytic performance of BaTiO3 was further enhanced by surface modification of silver nanoparticles deposited by a simple photoreduction method. The synergism among piezo-, photo-catalysis and the LSPR effect greatly enhanced the catalytic efficiency (more than 240%). The involved free radicals generated in the catalytic system and the cycle stability of the catalysts were examined. Based on the experimental results, an enhanced synergistic catalytic mechanism of BaTiO3 modified with Ag was proposed. The strategy presented here provides ideas for realizing the development of high-efficient catalysts for practical applications.