Unveiling the Mechanism of Frictional Catalysis in Water by Bi 12 TiO 20 : A Charge Transfer and Contaminant Decomposition Path Study.

Tribocatalysis, as a new approach in environmental purification, has drawn increasing attention in the past few years. In this work, we successfully convert mechanical energy to chemical energy by Bi 12 TiO 20 , which was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Under magnetic stirring, electrons transfer from the surface of Bi 12 TiO 20 to the polytetrafluoroethylene-sealed magnetic bar due to their friction. Moreover, the holes that remain on Bi 12 TiO 20 provide oxidation properties in the process for organic matter degradation. According to a series of tests, it is noticed that the shape of the stirring bar and the material of the reaction vessel have a remarkable influence on the removal efficiency of contaminants. Simultaneously, multiple tests reveal the high stability of Bi 12 TiO 20 . A great potential for Bi 12 TiO 20 to control water pollutants under dark conditions during collection of ambient mechanical energy was clearly demonstrated in this study.