The Role of BiSrFeZrYO High Entropy Oxide in Ferroelectric Piezo-Photocatalysis

This work presents a groundbreaking study on developing and applying BiSrFeZrYO composites synthesized using the sol–gel autocombustion method. These high-entropy oxide nanoparticles exhibit an innovative integration of photocatalytic and ferroelectric properties, positioning them as a significant breakthrough in environmental remediation. This study meticulously characterizes the composites, examining their morphology, crystal structure, and elemental distribution. It uncovers a unique nanoparticulate structure, characterized by multiple coexisting phases, including Bi_0.8Y_1.2O₃, Bi_3.4Fe_0.57O₆, and SrZrO₃. The research highlights that the BiSrFeZrYO composites exhibit significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity owing to their ferroelectric properties, achieving up to 90% degradation of Rhodamine B dye in an hour under dual light and ultrasonic vibration stimuli. This efficiency is a marked improvement over the 20% degradation observed under light irradiation alone, highlighting the efficacy of the piezo-photocatalyst mechanism. The generation of hydroxyl radicals, confirmed through fluorescence spectroscopy, further substantiates the composites' capability in facilitating redox reactions. Moreover, the study delves into the electron–hole pair dynamics, shedding light on the piezo-phototronic catalytic process under light irradiation and ultrasonic vibration. This insight is crucial in understanding the enhanced separation of electron–hole pairs and the resultant efficient degradation process. The unique properties of the BiSrFeZrYO composites, including their piezoelectric response and photocatalytic activity, make them an up-and-coming solution for addressing the limitations of conventional catalysts in environmental and energy applications.

The research highlights that the high-entropy BiSrFeZrYO catalysts exhibit significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity owing to their ferroelectric properties, achieving up to 90% degradation of Rhodamine B dye in an hour under dual light and ultrasonic vibration stimuli.