Inverse opal structured ZnO/Bi2SiO5 heterojunction film prepared by template method to enhance piezo-photocatalytic performance

A novel fabrication method was developed to synthesize ZnO/Bi 2 SiO 5 heterostructure films with enhanced piezo-photocatalytic activity for efficient water pollutant removal. The heterostructure was constructed through in-situ growth of ZnO nanorods on inverse opal structured Bi 2 SiO 5 films. The ZnO/Bi 2 SiO 5 heterointerface significantly increases charge carrier concentration, while the inverse opal morphology enhances light harvesting through diffuse reflection effect. The optimized ZnO/Bi 2 SiO 5 films demonstrated remarkable degradation efficiency for Rhodamine B (RhB), achieving substantially higher performance under combined UV and ultrasonic excitation compared to individual ZnO or Bi 2 SiO 5 films. This enhanced activity is attributed to synergistic effects between the heterostructure and piezoelectric properties, which collectively promote charge separation and catalytic activity. This work provides two significant advances: (i) a facile route for fabricating ordered heterostructure photocatalysts, and (ii) a demonstrated strategy for boosting piezo-photocatalytic efficiency through precise morphological and structural control. The developed ZnO/Bi 2 SiO 5 system shows strong potential for practical applications in water pollution remediation, offering both high performance and environmental sustainability.