Optimization of geometric configuration and external force for piezocatalytic applications in BaTiO3: experimental and finite element analyses

The effects of geometric configuration and external force on piezocatalytic properties of BaTiO3 were investigated through experimental and finite element analyses. The simulated results indicate that the piezopotential is linearly related to the sample length of Z-axis of BaTiO3 and the magnitude of applied stress. Then, BaTiO3 single crystal fibers were prepared by using a hydrothermal method with K2Ti4O9 nanowires as the templet. By adjusting the hydrothermal temperature and Ba/Ti ratio in the precursor, BaTiO3 fibers exhibit different crystallinity and morphologies. Compared with BaTiO3 fibers with low aspect ratio, BaTiO3 fibers with high aspect ratio exhibit high piezocatalytic efficiency. Furthermore, the external force is tailored by changing the ultrasonic power during the piezocatalytic reaction. The increase in ultrasonic power is beneficial to improve piezocatalytic efficiency. Therefore, this work provides further insights on the relationship between piezocatalytic performances and morphology of catalysts as well as their working conditions.