Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Activity by modifying SrBi4Ti4O15 with Pd as Piezo-photocatalysts

Abstract

The synergistic coupling of piezoelectric catalysis and photocatalysis can significantly enhance hydrogen production efficiency. However, developing high-performance catalysts with both high piezo/photo-response remains a key challenge. In this study, Palladium nanocrystals (Pd-NCs) have been deposited on the surface of SrBi4Ti4O15 (SBTO), resulting in the successful construction of an efficient hydrogen evolution catalyst based on the synergistic effect of piezo-photocatalysis.Under simultaneous illumination and ultrasound, SBTO-Pd-10% exhibited a hydrogen evolution rate of 27.6 mmol g -1 h -1 , representing an eleven-fold enhancement relative to pure SBTO. The enhanced performance can be attributed to the incorporation of Pd-NCs, which extends the visible light absorption spectrum of SBTO-Pd composite, improves conductivity, and introduces additional catalytic sites, thereby promoting efficient charge carrier separation. Additionally, ultrasonic effect induced an internal piezoelectric field that further inhibited photogenerated carrier recombination, resulting in a significant enhancement of performance. This study reveals the synergistic catalytic mechanism of coupled piezo-photocatalytic system, which provides a feasible pathway for the future design of highly efficient hydrogen production catalysts.