Ferroelectric ceramics for pyrocatalytic applications

Ferroelectric ceramics, which exhibit the phenomenon of reversible spontaneous polarization, have been utilized in multiple conventional applications including sensors, actuators, nano-generators, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), memory storage systems, energy harvesting devices, etc. Recently, ferroelectric ceramics have been employed for catalysis-induced applications. One of such catalysis process is known as ‘pyrocatalysis’, which makes use of pyroelectric materials to execute catalysis reactions using temperature fluctuation-derived waste thermal energy/heat. This new and evolving pyrocatalysis process has shown promising potential in new and exciting applications including water-cleaning, water-splitting, bacterial disinfection, tooth whitening, carbon-dioxide reduction, tumor therapy, etc. In principle, ferroelectric ceramics are always pyroelectric in nature, which enables them to be utilized for pyrocatalytic applications. High pyrocatalytic performances of ferroelectric ceramics have been reported by various reports in multiple applications. This review starts with the basic introduction to ferroelectric ceramics, pyroelectric effect, and pyrocatalysis process. Further, it provides the review of recent studies utilizing ferroelectric ceramics for pyrocatalytic applications. The strategies to improve pyrocatalytic performance of ferroelectric ceramics are discussed in detail. At last, this review provides insights to new future directions for researchers working on ferroelectric pyrocatalysts.