Piezoelectric catalysis for antibacterial applications

Abstract

Efficient conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy through piezoelectric catalysis has found diverse applications, such as sterilization, water treatment, organic synthesis, and biomass conversion. Among these, antibacterial agents based on piezoelectrically active materials have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial diseases and remediation of water pollution caused by bacterial pathogens, with no bacterial resistance and side effects because of their fast and effective bactericidal actions. Herein, the general mechanisms of piezoelectric catalysis are reviewed, and commonly used piezoelectric antibacterial agents are highlighted, including semiconductors (metal oxides, metal sulfides, and ceramics), heterojunction composites (e.g., metal–semiconductor heterojunctions and semiconductor–semiconductor heterojunctions), and organic piezoelectric materials. Leading strategies for further enhancement of the materials’ piezoelectric properties are also discussed, such as doping, compositing, and structural coupling. We conclude the review with a summary of the remaining challenges and a perspective for future research.