Photo-induced PM2.5 adsorption in molecular ferroelectric heterostructures

Abstract

Ferroelectrics are polar materials with large spontaneous polarization. Particulate matter, PM_2.5, may be polarized and adsorbed by ferroelectrics due to spontaneous polarization. Micron-sized rods of molecular ferroelectric material diisopropylammonium perchlorate (DIPAP) were synthesized by a freeze-drying method to adsorb PM_2.5. After low temperature freeze-drying and subsequent high temperature heating, a stable heterojunction DIPAP structure formed with a ferroelectric phase and non-switching phase. The special ferroelectric heterostructure in the DIPAP micron rods gave it excellent photo-induced PM_2.5 adsorption. The photoelectric effect has an important role in the photo-induced adsorption. This work shows that molecular ferroelectric heterostructure materials have the potential to be used in creating dust-free spaces and simple outdoor particulate matter removal strategies.