Apr 8, 2025
1:30pm - 2:00pm
Summit, Level 4, Room 437
Jyh Ming Wu1,Hsun-Yen Lin1
National Tsing Hua University1
Jyh Ming Wu1,Hsun-Yen Lin1
National Tsing Hua University1
Hydrogen is the most abundant element on Earth and serves as a safe, efficient energy source. Through processes like electrocatalysis and photocatalysis, water molecules can be split into oxygen (O2) and hydrogen (H2), which can then be used as fuel. This method has been extensively studied as a promising approach to reduce CO2 emissions and decrease reliance on fossil fuels. One area of ongoing research involves solar-assisted electrochemical processes that generate hydrogen without producing toxic byproducts. Solutions addressing water pollution remediation, water splitting, and clean energy alternatives have been widely explored. However, most semiconducting photocatalysts are inefficient in water-based solutions due to their low quantum yield. In this talk, I will discuss how piezocatalysts can enhance electrochemical reactions, leading to more efficient wastewater treatment and hydrogen production. Theoretical calculations suggest that ferroelectric components can create inner electric fields at interfacial phase boundaries, moderating free carriers and improving charge separation in ferroelectric piezocatalysts. When external mechanical force is applied in conjunction with photoirradiation, the combination of photoinduced charge separation and piezoelectric polarization enhances charge transport at trapping sites. Additionally, I will provide an overview of recent advancements in piezocatalysts, particularly those involving 2D materials and ferroelectric domains. These advancements, such as the MoS2@Mo2CTx system, show promise for sustainable energy production, including hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). These concepts represent significant progress toward designing next-generation piezo-photocatalysts, with the potential to be driven by natural forces like gravity.