What is piezoelectric activation of persulfate?

In a new study published in the journal Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, researchers from Jinan University discovered an environmentally friendly way to clean water. They called this new way “Piezoelectric activation of persulfate.”

Piezoelectricity is a method that converts mechanical energy into voltage energy as a result of compression. With this method, water can be cleaned by the effect of the piezoelectric method when compressed or by applying pressure force. There is no need for any artificial influence for the compression or pressure required to clean the water. This effect occurs thanks to wind, waves and current. This allows us to avoid the need to produce extra energy.

Piezoelectricity is then used to activate persulfate, which helps in breaking down harmful substances in the water. When piezoelectric is subjected to an external mechanical force, a polarized electric field is generated within the materials and persulfate-activating charges are induced to achieve the degradation of organic pollutants. Additionally, other positive aspects of this method are;

Chemical transformation of valuable raw materials occurs with the selectivity of products other than CO. In particular, the Xing group prepared Co3S4/MoS2 catalyst under ultrasonic vibration to convert various pollutants into CO, and highly recommends the transfer and use of piezoelectric electrons by adding Co3S4 to the prepared catalyst. Thus, CO shows a highly selective carbonate transformation. With this system, the potential for practical and selective CO production in complex wastewater treatments is emphasized. Additionally, H2 production occurs in different wastewaters. MoS2/Fe0/PMS ternary system was used for H2 production and degradation of organic compounds. With well-timed inclusion of persulfate, hydrogen production can occur due to contaminants containing electron-absorbing groups. New developments may enable steps to be taken towards the realization of new strategies for sustainability.

Scientists continue to work with BaTiO3, ZnO and MoS2 compounds to improve this process. They are also exploring the use of natural energy sources such as wind, waves and currents to strengthen this environmentally friendly approach.

One of the leading scientists in his field, Dr. Mingshan Zhu talked about this development and its importance with the following words: “Piezoelectric activation of persulfate represents a series of changes in the water purification system. "It both resolves the efficiency and environmental question marks regarding traditional methods and opens new ways for the use of renewable energy resources."

With the newly discovered method, water purification is carried out with nature's own energy, without requiring any energy for water purification.