Enhanced H2O2 production via Piezo-photocatalysis using BaTiO3/g-C3N4 S-scheme heterojunction

H2O2 is a type of sustainable energy. Leveraging the piezoelectric effect to inhibit the rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers in H2O2 photocatalysis is considered a hopeful approach. We created S-Scheme heterostructures using BaTiO3 and g-C3N4 to amplify the photocatalytic formation of H2O2 with the assistance of the piezoelectric effect. By incorporating a 20 % BaTiO3 ratio (BCN 20), the efficiency of piezoelectric photocatalytic H2O2 generation can reach as high as 2698 mu mol/g/h (20 mg). The process of H2O2 generation and the mechanism of enhancing its activity were elucidated by comprehensive characterisation. In the production of H2O2, the two-step single-electron reaction plays a crucial role. EPR tests and DFT calculations validate the S-Scheme charge transfer pathway. This study outlines a framework for piezoelectric photocatalysis and successful H2O2 catalysis using S-Scheme heterojunctions.