Mechanical energy harvesting by piezoelectric materials to drive catalysis reactions received extensive attention for environmental remediation. In this work, SbSI/Sb2S3 nanocomposites were synthesized as a catalyst. ZrO2 balls were used as an alternative mechanical force to ultrasonic for stimulating the piezocatalyst for the first time. The kinetics and thermodynamics of the piezo degradation of methylene blue (MB) were studied deeply. Besides the effect of the type of mechanical force, the number of ZrO2 balls, and temperature of the reaction on the degradation efficiency were studied. Here mechanical energy came from the collision of the ZrO2 balls with the catalyst particles. Using ZrO2 balls instead of ultrasonic vibration led to enhance degradation efficiency by 47% at 30 ± 5 °C. A kinetic study revealed that piezo degradation of methylene blue (MB) by SbSI/Sb2S3 catalyst followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. Based on thermodynamic results piezo degradation of MB was an exothermic reaction.

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In order to advance desulfurization technology, a new method for excellent oxidative desulfurization of fuel at room temperature will be of paramount importance. As a novel desulfurization method, we developed piezo-catalysts that do not require adding any oxidants and can be performed at room temperature. A microwave method was used to prepare CeO2/Ce2O3/NiOx nanocomposites. Model and real fuel desulfurization rates were examined as a function of synthesis parameters, such as microwave power and time, and operation conditions, such as pH and ultrasonic power. The results showed that CeO2/Ce2O3/NiOx nanocomposites demonstrated outstanding piezo-desulfurization at room temperature for both model and real fuels. Furthermore, CeO2/Ce2O3/NiOx nanocomposites exhibited remarkable reusability, maintaining 79% of their piezo-catalytic activity even after 17 repetitions for desulfurization of real fuel. An investigation of the mechanism of sulfur oxidation revealed that superoxide radicals and holes played a major role. Additionally, the kinetic study revealed that sulfur removal by piezo-catalyst follows a second-order reaction kinetic model.