Piezoelectric Materials for Photocatalysis and Electrocatalysis

Dear Colleagues,

Piezoelectric materials, characterized by their ability to generate internal electric fields in response to mechanical stimuli, are opening new frontiers in catalytic science. This strain-induced polarization offers a powerful and often untapped tool to manipulate charge carrier dynamics, band structures, and surface energetics in real-time. By harnessing ubiquitous mechanical energy from the environment—such as ultrasound, flow, or even ambient vibration—these materials can significantly enhance the efficiency of photocatalytic and electrocatalytic processes without solely relying on external electrical bias.

This Special Issue, entitled “Piezoelectric Materials for Photocatalysis and Electrocatalysis”, is dedicated to exploring the latest advancements in leveraging the piezoelectric effect for energy conversion and environmental remediation. We aim to cover the fundamental principles, novel material design, and innovative applications of piezoelectric catalysts. The scope includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Piezocatalysis for the degradation of pollutants and bacterial disinfection.
• Piezo-photocatalysis systems that synergistically couple mechanical and solar energy for water splitting and CO₂ reduction.
• Piezo-electrocatalysis where mechanical strain modulates electrochemical reactions like oxygen evolution/reduction (OER/ORR).
• Advanced characterization and theoretical modelling to decipher the mechanisms of strain-induced charge separation and catalytic activation.
• The design of hybrid and composite materials that integrate piezoelectric with semiconducting or metallic phases for enhanced performance.

We invite the submission of original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that highlight breakthroughs in this rapidly evolving field. By bringing together research from materials science, chemistry, physics, and engineering, this Special Issue seeks to establish the critical role of piezoelectricity in advancing catalytic technologies and to inspire innovative solutions for sustainable energy and environmental challenges.

Prof. Dr. Qi Zhang
Dr. Hugo Salazar
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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