Morphology-enhanced piezoelectric performance of SnS nanobelts for acetaminophen degradation

Abstract

Piezoelectric catalysis, which transforms mechanical vibrations into chemical energy, offers a novel solution for energy conversion and chemical reactions. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of tin monosulfide (SnS) nanobelts in piezoelectric catalytic degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants for wastewater treatment. We obtained SnS with high crystallinity and different morphological features by adjusting temperature, reaction solution volume, and amount of urea in the hydrothermal synthesis. Compared to other different forms, SnS nanobelts with step edges demonstrate superior piezoelectric properties in peroxymonosulfate activation, efficiently eliminating acetaminophen (APAP) with a rate constant of 0.40 min⁻¹ at an external force of ultrasound. Calculations by the finite element method indicate that the interface polarization will affect piezoelectric field distribution and surface piezoelectric potentials, with step edge nanobelt > nanobelt/nanoparticle > nanobelt. Mechanistic studies indicate the synergistic effect of piezoelectrically generated h⁺/e⁻ carriers and hydroxyl/sulfate radicals for APAP removal. The findings offer insights into morphology engineering in the development of tin-based piezoelectric catalysts and their applications.