Non-integer induced spontaneous polarization of highly efficient perovskite-based NBTO SCN photocatalysts

Abstract

Perovskite oxides and their derivative photocatalysts are promising candidates for highly efficient solar energy conversion and environmental remediation. Herein, we proposed a non-integer induced spontaneous polarization of highly efficient perovskite-based NBTO SCN photocatalysts. The experimental and theoretical results demonstrate that the Na_0.5Bi_2.5Ta₂O₉ single-crystal nanoplates (NBTO SCNs) with exposed {001} facets show more superior photocatalytic efficiency in hydrogen evolution and pollutant degradation than conventional integer NaTaO₃ and BiTaO₄. The non-integer structure (mixed A-site cations Na⁺ or Bi³⁺) of NBTO SCNs possesses giant spontaneous polarization along the c-axis. Therefore, the generated carriers can easily diffuse along the polarization direction to the opposite surfaces of catalysts, and thus significantly increase the photocatalytic activities of NBTO SCNs.