Enhancing the photoelectric performance of metal oxide semiconductors by introduction of dislocations

Abstract

Photocatalysis, a heavily researched approach to sustainable synthesis of chemicals, often faces challenges of high cost and the use of scarce materials or low efficiency of sustainable catalysts. Cheap and abundant metal oxide photo-catalysts like TiO₂ are often deemed too ineffective. However, our approach introduces a novel twist. We have convincingly enhanced the properties of metal oxides, such as TiO₂ and BaTiO₃, through dislocation engineering. In this method, dislocations are mechanically introduced into samples, resulting in changes that can surpass traditional chemical doping strategies. Our current work discusses the effect of dislocation engineering on TiO₂ and BaTiO₃, specifically their photocatalytic activity. Using H₂O₂ synthesis as a benchmark reaction, we have demonstrated that single crystal metal oxides with high dislocation density can significantly elevate photocatalytic H₂O₂ production. This allows for producing industrially relevant concentrations of H₂O₂ without sacrificial agents, making dislocation engineering an exciting and promising approach for sustainable photocatalysis.