Enhanced photocatalytic performance of ferroelectric-based SrBi4Ti4O15/SnS2 hybrids by piezoelectric effect

Abstract Combining the ferroelectric with semiconductor photocatalyst has been demonstrated as an effective strategy to facilitate the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes, leading to superior synergistic catalytic performance. Herein, SrBi4Ti4O15 (SBTO)/SnS2 hybrids were synthesized, where SnS2 nanostructures were decorated on the surfaces of SBTO nanosheets through a hydrothermal method. The nanostructure of SnS2 could be controlled from nanoparticles to hollow nanoflowers and eventually nanoflowers with increasing concentration of SnCl4. The light absorption capability, photocatalytic activity, and stability of SBTO/SnS2 hybrids were tremendously enhanced, ascribing to the introduction of SnS2 and built-in electric field of ferroelectric SBTO. The introduced periodic magnetic stirring on ferroelectric could resolve the electrostatic screening and help maintain the constant effectiveness of built-in field, promoting the separation of electrons and holes and further improving photocatalytic activity.