The PZT/Ag2O heterostructure for synchronous pyrocatalytic-photocatalytic towards efficient degradation of pollutants through integration of solar and thermal energy.

Charge separation and transport as well as light absorption are pivotal in determining the efficiency of dye degradation. Here, we designed a PZT/Ag 2 O heterostructure to improve the degradation of dye by chemical precipitation method. The carrier separation process of Z-scheme heterojunction and the promotion effect of pyroelectric polarization on the performance of PZT/Ag 2 O heterojunction are discussed in detail. Under 20–55 °C temperature cycle and visible light irradiation, PZT/1.5Ag 2 O with bi-catalysis could degrade up to 93.7% of RhB within 140 min. It was 3.38 times and 1.51 times higher than bi-catalysis degradation rate of PZT (27.78%) and Ag 2 O (61.97%) alone, respectively. The improvement of catalytic efficiency is due to the enhanced light response range of the PZT/Ag 2 O heterojunction, while the pyroelectric polarization further promotes carrier separation and transfer. In addition, we found an interesting phenomenon of increased hydrophilicity of the composite, which may also be one of the reasons for its improved performance. The concept of PZT/Ag 2 O heterostructure pyro-photo-catalyst provides an effective way to utilize solar energy and thermal energy. • The Z-scheme heterojunction PZT/Ag 2 O was prepared by the chemical precipitation method. • The pyro-/photo-bi-catalysis based on PZT/Ag 2 O heterojunction was used for degrade dyes. • PZT/Ag 2 O heterojunction enhances the light response range and redox capacity. • The pyroelectric polarization can promote the carrier separation and transfer. • Compared with PZT, PZT/Ag 2 O heterojunction has a large contact area with the dye wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]