Ferroelectric-semiconductor BaTiO3–Ag2O nanohybrid as an efficient piezo-photocatalytic material

Piezo-photocatalysis is a new concept of utilizing nanohybrids comprising piezoelectric and photocatalytic materials for enhancement in advanced oxidation process under the presence of light and mechanical energy. In this study, we explored the effectiveness of piezo-photocatalysis via examining their catalytic activity towards the degradation of azo dye (Rhodamine-B) and standard pollutant (Phenol) catalyzed by ferroelectric-semiconductor (BaTiO3–Ag2O) nanohybrids. Further, the enhancement in piezo-photocatalysis has been achieved via persulfate activation and the role of free radicals was examined by quenchers. A plausible mechanism for the improved piezo-photocatalysis of BaTiO3–Ag2O nanohybrid using persulfate activation has been discussed in detail. The removal mechanism of Rhodamine-B has been investigated using analytical techniques such as HPLC and EPR. Our experimental study demonstrated that the combination of piezo-photocatalysis with persulfate activation will provide higher reaction rate which will be beneficial towards the degradation of complex molecular pollutants derived from industrial sectors. •Ferroelectric-semiconductor (BaTiO3–Ag2O) nanohybrid was sonochemically synthesized.•Catalytic properties of the nanohybrid was examined against azo-dye and phenol.•Catalytic efficacy of nanohybrid were improved via persulfate activation.•The % RSE was calculated for BaTiO3–Ag2O nanohybrid catalyst.•Mechanism of enhanced catalytic efficacy of nanohybrid was discussed in brief.