Synergistic Enhanced Piezocatalytic Properties of Nd-Doped BaTiO₃-based Nanosheets with NaCl Assistance

Piezocatalysis, an emerging technology that harnesses mechanical energy to induce chemical reactions, aims to mitigate environmental pollution and address energy shortages. In this study, we propose an effective method to enhance the piezoelectric catalytic efficiency of BaTiO3 nanosheets through Nd-doping (xNd-BaTiO3) and simultaneous adjustment of NaCl concentration in RhB solution. The optimal NaCl concentration of 1.1 g/50 mL resulted in a significant improvement in piezoelectric catalysis efficiency of BaTiO3 nanosheets, achieving an 88% degradation rate of RhB solution within 10 min of ultrasonic vibration, which is 1.6 times higher than without NaCl. This enhanced performance can be attributed to improved dispersion of BaTiO3 nanosheets and accelerated electron and ion transfer rates in the RhB solution, both facilitated by the addition of NaCl. The xNd-doped BaTiO3 nanosheets, prepared via acceptor doping to enhance piezoelectric properties and generate oxygen vacancies, exhibit superior piezoelectric performance under ultrasonic vibration. Specifically, when the Nd content x = 0.03, a remarkable 94.3% degradation rate of RhB solution was observed within 10 min of ultrasonic vibration. Additionally, the 0.03Nd-BaTiO3 nanosheets demonstrated excellent stability during recycling, indicating their potential for practical applications in piezoelectric catalysis.