Ultrasound-assisted piezoelectric photocatalysis: An effective strategy for enhancing hydrogen evolution from water splitting

Hydrogen (H2), as a sustainable and clean energy source that has garnered global attention, holds immense significance in the pursuit of reducing carbon emissions. Photocatalytic water splitting offers a green, energy-saving, and cost-effective approach for H2-evolution. However, its efficiency is severely hindered by the slow separation and rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers. In this regard, ultrasound-assisted piezoelectric photocatalysis demonstrates promising advantages and prospects. This review comprehensively summarizes the recent advancements in ultrasound-assisted piezoelectric photocatalysis for H2-evolution from water splitting, with emphasis on the significant role of ultrasound. Initially, its advantages including the piezoelectric effect, cavitation effect, establishment of built-in electric field, reactivation of electric field, and band bending are discussed. Subsequently, the mechanism, challenges, and improvement strategies for water splitting are overviewed. Furthermore, the synthesis methods and applications of piezoelectric photocatalytic materials in H2-evolution are overviewed. Finally, the prospects, challenges and potential application areas of ultrasound-assisted piezoelectric catalysis strategies are highlighted for reference.