ZnO-Zn/CNT hybrid film as light-free nanocatalyst for degradation reaction

A newly developed ZnO-Zn/CNT hybrid film was used as a light-free nanocatalyst in a degradation reaction of oranic molecules in wastewater. the piezoelectric effect of the ZnO NRs plays a crucial role in this degradetion process. The solution flow generates impact force to bend the ZnO NRs. The faster the solution flows, the larger the bending of the ZnO NRs embedded in the cnt network, which induces ionic charges and degradetion of organic molecules on the surface of ZnO NRs. Such novel meterial's piezoelectric effect opens a new approach to degrade organic contaminants.