SnFe2O4 mediated near-infrared-driven photocatalysis, photothermal sterilization and piezocatalysis

The magnetic and metalloid SnFe 2 O 4 nanoparticle was prepared by one-step hydrothermal method, which applied to NIR responsive photocatalysis, piezocatalysis and photothermal sterilization. The possible mechanism was investigated by radical scavenging tests, ESR signals and density functional theory calculation simulated the activation process of O 2 and H 2 O molecular. • The SnFe 2 O 4 realized full-solar-range responsive photocatalysis. • Piezocatalysis could synergize with photocatalysis for enhancing catalytic activity. • Excellent photothermal sterilization performance improved sewage purification. • DFT simulated the electronic structure of SnFe 2 O 4 . • DFT also simulated the activation process of oxygen and water molecule. To make the most of solar energy, it is of great significance to utilize the near infrared (NIR) light outside the visible and UV region for the related applications. In this work, a multifunctional SnFe 2 O 4 had been designed for this purpose. The SnFe 2 O 4 was a full-solar-range responsive photocatalyst, which could realize the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under both visible and near infrared irradiation. Meanwhile, NIR triggered photothermal effect of SnFe 2 O 4 favored sterilization and improved comprehensive purification of sewage. On the basis of unique piezoelectric property, SnFe 2 O 4 also presented the excellent piezocatalytic activity and further a synergistic effect of piezocatalysis enhanced NIR-driven photocatalysis was realized. Finally, the possible mechanism was investigated by radical scavenging tests, ESR signals and density functional theory calculation. The simulated electronic structure and molecular activation well explained the generation of reactive oxygen species and it was also well supported by experimental results. This work provided a theoretical basis for extending use of solar spectrum for the photocatalysis and constructing the multifunctional photocatalysis and piezocatalysis.