Ferroelectric K0.5Na0.5NbO3 catalysts for dye wastewater degradation

K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) particles were prepared by a solid-state method. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, UV-visible spectrophotometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to study the structure, morphology, and properties of the samples. The obtained KNN is a ferroelectric material with orthorhombic perovskite structure at room temperature. The KNN particles can be used as piezo/photo-bicatalysts for degrading organic pollutants by utilizing vibrational and solar energy; the catalytic activity of the particles can be significantly improved owing to their polarization under an applied electric field. Poled KNN particles show a bicatalytic degradation ratio of rhodamine B (RhB) dye reaching 92% after 60 min. The results indicate that the KNN particles can be applied as attractive ferroelectric catalysts for organic pollutant degradation.

Automated summary

K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) particles with orthorhombic perovskite structure were prepared by a solid-state method and can be used as ferroelectric catalysts for degrading organic pollutants. Poled KNN particles showed significantly enhanced catalytic activity under an applied electric field, with a degradation ratio of rhodamine B dye reaching 92% after 60 min.