Flexocatalytic Hydrogen Generation and Organics Degradation by Nano SrTiO ₃

Flexocatalysis, a groundbreaking approach in mechanocatalysis, overcomes the material limitations imposed by the symmetry requirements of piezocatalysis, enabling a broader range of materials to generate free radicals through mechano-catalytic reactions. This method not only offers an eco-friendly pathway for green hydrogen production via water splitting but also facilitates the use of biocompatible materials in health diagnostics and treatments. In this study, the flexocatalytic activity of centrosymmetric SrTiO₃ (STO) nanopowders is demonstrated, achieving notable hydrogen evolution (1289.53 µmol g^-1 h^-1 in pure water) and efficient organic dye degradation (≈94%). The mechanism is driven by electric polarization generated under non-uniform strain, which is strongly enhanced with particle size reduction, effectively linking flexoelectricity to superior electrochemical performance. The findings highlight the potential of flexocatalysis to revolutionize hydrogen production and broaden the range of materials for catalytic applications, paving the way for innovative energy-harvesting technologies.