Biomimetic piezocatalysts: A novel approach to water purification using TiO2/PVDF-TrFE

• A biomimetic piezocatalyst system inspired by seaweed utilizes natural water flow and UV synergy for efficient water purification. • PVDF-TrFE/TiO 2 composite on polyimide substrate achieves 99% dye degradation within 3 hours under 3 Hz mechanical stimulation and UV exposure. • Dual-stimulus catalysis demonstrates strong synergy between piezopotential and photocatalysis, outperforming single-mode systems. • Optimal TiO 2 :PVDF-TrFE ratio (3:1) maximizes surface activity and piezoelectric effect; O 2 plasma treatment enhances catalytic interface. • Dual-sided catalyst design and successful replacement of TiO 2 with ZnO and MoS 2 confirm system versatility and scalability. Inspired by nature's continuous energy circulation, particularly the movement of seaweed, this study introduces a biomimetic piezocatalytic approach for sustainable water purification using a TiO 2 /PVDF-TrFE composite. By combining the photocatalytic properties of TiO 2 with the piezoelectric characteristics of PVDF-TrFE, the composite was synthesized via spin-coating to ensure uniform dispersion of nanoparticles within the polymer matrix. The study systematically evaluated the effects of TiO 2 content, oxygen plasma post-treatment, and piezocatalytic performance under deformation at various frequencies (0, 0.5, 1, 3, and 4 Hz). The optimized condition demonstrated that regular deformation at 3 Hz enabled 99% degradation of Rhodamine B within 3 hours. These findings suggest that in water purification systems, the natural energy of water flow can be effectively harnessed, offering a highly energy-efficient alternative to conventional methods.