Dual piezoelectric catalytic system for efficient CO2 reduction

In the pursuit of sustainable carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction strategies, this study explores the potential of a novel dual piezoelectric system comprising K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) and polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) for enhanced CO2 catalytic reduction. The dual piezoelectric coating fabricated using a simple and adjustable method demonstrated remarkable versatility in applications to diverse surfaces and shapes. This system not only amplifies piezoelectric carrier generation but also enhances carrier separation and transfer through the synergistic effect of the dual piezoelectric materials. The integration of acetylene black further improves the conductivity and optimizes the piezoelectric catalytic performance. Under optimal conditions, the composite film achieves a significant carbon monoxide (CO) yield of 191.6 μmol g−1 h−1, representing a 13-fold enhancement over pure KNN. In addition, we investigated the underlying piezoelectric catalytic mechanism, revealing the critical role of the band structure and polarization fields in facilitating CO2 reduction. This work not only underscores the effectiveness of the dual piezoelectric system but also paves the way for the development of high-performance piezoelectric catalysts with broad industrial applications, advancing the field of piezoelectric catalysis for more sustainable CO2 reduction technologies.