MWCNT-intercaleated natural hematite-based activable nanocomposite for piezoelectric energy generation and ROS-mediated carcinogenic dye degradation

This work explored an MWCNT-incorporated natural rock-based (hematite) multifunctional piezo-responsive nanocomposite for the simultaneous degradation of carcinogenic dyes and generation of non-invasive energy. The enhanced polar phases of the nanocomposite membrane were verified using XRD, FESEM, FTIR, and density functional theory (DFT), which is responsible for elevating the piezoelectric property of the synthesized composite. Further, a flexible and free-standing device was fabricated using this membrane and employed to generate piezoelectric power (8.684 mW cm⁻³) with an instantaneous open circuit piezo voltage of 53.9 V and short circuit piezo current of about 11.6 μA under feeble finger tapping (16.3 N). This piezoelectric device produces energy from different non-invasive mechanical vibrations, such as water flow and wind energy. Under ultrasonic activation, the synthesized nanocomposite membrane could aid in various reactive oxygen species (ROS) that degrade carcinogenic organic pollutants, such as Rhodamine B (RhB) dye, in just 30 min with an efficacy of 98.7%. In summary, this work delves into a modified natural rock-based multifunctional biocompatible, self-poled polymeric nanocomposite membrane instead of conventional chemically derived piezo-active nanoparticles for non-invasive energy generation and harmful organic dye degradation for sustainable development.