The friction pair composed of polymers and Bi12TiO20 facilitates the tribocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants

In recent years, friction-induced tribocatalysis has garnered significant attention in the fields of environmental pollution and clean energy utilization. Despite its efficacy in converting mechanical energy into chemical energy, the degradation process is time-consuming, which limits its practical applications. In this study, we optimized the morphology of Bi12TiO20 catalyst and employed the most active Bi12TiO20 combined with four kinds of triboelectric polymer powders to form an efficient friction pair that enhances the tribocatalytic efficiency for organic pollutant degradation. The amount of polymer added, stirring rate, number and shape of stirring bars, as well as the materials of stirring bars and beakers were investigated. The recycled tribocatalyst exhibited recyclability and stability in degrading organic pollutants. The hydroxyl and superoxide radicals were quantitatively determined, and the generation and mechanism of positive and negative charges in the process of tribocatalysis were analyzed. The potential mechanisms underlying charge generation during tribocatalysis were investigated, while also exploring the degradation pathway of Rhodamine B through high-efficiency tribocatalysis.