Oriented Plate-like KNbO<sub>3</sub> Polycrystals: Topochemical Mesocrystal Conversion and Piezoelectric and Photocatalytic Responses
Dandan Yang, Yan Wang, Cheng Chen, Yao Su, Lijie Li, Lei Miao, Hongxi Gu, Weixing Zhao, Lan Ding, Dengwei Hu
Abstract
KNbO 3 (KN) with a perovskite structure is an outstanding representative of lead-free piezoelectric materials, and its mesocrystals have broad application prospects in the fields of catalysis, energy storage, and conversion. However, the formation conditions of KN mesocrystals reported so far are difficult owing to their high aspect ratio and excellent preferred orientation. In this study, the solvothermal process was used successfully to prepare the flake-like potassium salt of Lindquist hexaniobate (K 8 Nb 6 O 19 ·10H 2 O). Subsequently, the precursor niobate was calcined to prepare two-dimensional (2D) plate-like KN mesocrystals. The formation mechanism of the plate-like KN mesocrystals is further revealed from a paired topochemical mesocrystal conversion of K 8 Nb 6 O 19 ·10H 2 O niobate. Finally, the microscopic piezoelectric and photocatalytic responses of the obtained plate-like KN mesocrystals were investigated. The high piezoelectric coefficient of plate-like KN mesocrystals implies that excellent charge separation promotes the photocatalytic performance of rhodamine B (RhB). This study provides a strategy for the efficient application of 2D oriented materials in the field of piezoelectricity and photocatalysis.