Highly self-polarized PVDF-based nanocomposites achieved via water mediated polarization for advanced piezocatalysis

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a promising material for piezocatalytic applications due to its exceptional physicochemical properties. However, its practical implementation is fundamentally limited by weak inherent electroactivity. To overcome this limitation, we engineered a highly self-polarized PVDF nanocomposite via water-mediated polarization combined with a multivariate composite design strategy, resulting in markedly enhanced piezocatalytic performance. This hybrid system incorporates rigid electroactive nanofillers within a high-piezoelectric-phase matrix, endowing it with superior electromechanical coupling and catalytic activity. The optimized composite demonstrates remarkable degradation efficiencies of 96.6% for 10 mg L −1  RhB within 10 min and 87.2% for 150 mg L −1  RhB within 2 h, representing an 8.4-fold improvement over commercial PVDF. The material maintains excellent reusability and consistent performance across diverse aqueous environments. Notably, it achieves an unprecedented H 2 O 2 production rate of 1645.8 μmol g −1 · h −1 , surpassing commercial PVDF by nine-fold. This work provides a viable strategy for advancing sustainable environmental remediation and green chemical production.