Piezocatalysis-enhanced tribocatalytic CO2 reduction via tungsten bronze K2NdNb5O15 nanopowders

• KNN nanopowder was synthesized via high-temperature solid-phase reaction. • The tribo-piezocatalytic synergistic activities for CO 2 reduction were investigated. • The tribo-piezocatalytic synergistic CO yield was enhanced obliviously. • A reaction mechanism for piezocatalytic-enhanced tribocatalysis was proposed. • This discovery highlights the significant potential of bronze ferroelectrics in CO 2 reduction. The conversion of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into usable fuels represents a promising strategy for addressing global energy sustainability and environmental challenges. To achieve this goal, developing efficient and eco-friendly catalytic technologies is imperative. In this study, we introduce a novel catalytic CO 2 reduction approach leveraging the synergistic interplay between tribocatalysis and piezocatalysis, utilizing tungsten bronze-structured nanopowder K 2 NdNb 5 O 15 (KNN) to enhance CO 2 reduction efficiency. The experimental design systematically evaluated gas yields under three distinct conditions, incorporating variations in catalyst concentration and solution pH. Results revealed a remarkable CO production rate of 331.85 μmol/h/g under synergistic conditions, corresponding to a 1.2 fold increase over tribocatalysis alone and a 2.0 fold enhancement compared to piezocatalysis alone. Output charge testing of a vertical contact-separation mode triboelectric nanogenerator (CS-TENG) assessed the material’s electron transfer capabilities during friction processes. This work underscores the potential of combining tribocatalysis and piezocatalysis with tungsten bronze-structured nanopowders to significantly boost flammable gas production such as CO, offering a viable pathway to mitigate CO 2 emissions and advance sustainable energy solutions.