Enhanced pyroelectric catalysis of self-doped bismuth tungstate via modulation of electrical and thermal conductivities

Pyroelectric catalysis, converting thermal energy to chemical energy, effectively solves energy and environmental issues. Herein, a series of bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) were prepared by modulating precursor solutions with different tungsten concentrations, and tungsten self-doping was utilized to modulate the electrical and thermal conductivities of the Bi2WO6 thereby enhancing their pyroelectric catalytic properties. Self-doping leads to higher exposure of electron-dominated (010) crystal planes and therefore higher electrical conductivity. The large grain size leads to a low density of grain boundaries as well as fewer defects and dislocations, resulting in reduced phonon scattering and higher thermal conductivity. The optimal pyroelectric catalytic performance was obtained when both thermal and electrical conductivities were at their maximum values, and 20 mL of 5 ppm bisphenol A (BPA) was completely removed by minor temperature variation between 20 and 40 degrees C for 40 cycles. These findings suggest a facile strategy by regulating electrical and thermal conductivities in the development of pyroelectric catalysts.