A review: recent progress of piezoelectric effect coupled photocatalytic reaction: diverse mechanisms, system/structure design, characterization and application

The integration of the dynamic electric field generated from the piezoelectric effect in materials with the photocatalytic process provides an innovative approach for the efficient separation and utilization of photogenerated charges. In recent years, a significant number of scholars have conducted detailed research in several areas, including CO2 reduction, pollutant degradation, biomedical applications, and hydrogen production. Herein, this review begins with the widespread application of piezoelectric-photocatalytic strategies across various fields, and elaborates on the mechanisms of photocatalysis, piezoelectric catalysis, and the coupling of photo-piezoelectric catalysis, primarily focusing on photocatalytic hydrogen production and pollutant degradation. We categorize mainstream piezoelectric photocatalysts based on their crystal structures and summarize the relevant photoelectrochemical performance tests that the catalysts can undergo under external forces, such as pressure, ultrasound, or natural vibrations. Finally, the current challenges faced by piezoelectric photocatalytic system are summarized, and its future development is outlooked.