摘要
Piezotronics is an emerging strategy that uses internal polarization to modulate electronic band structure and charge transfer. This unique coupling effect has been found to be effective in improving a wide range of electrochemical processes, or enabling new pathways for chemical reactions. This article focuses on providing a high-level overview and vision of the piezotronics effect in catalysis-related applications. We first discuss fundamental piezotronics principles in regulating charge separation and transport. Piezoelectric and ferroelectric ceramics, two-dimensional materials, heterostructures, and surface modifications are analyzed as typical material design and selection strategies for achieving the desired piezotronic modulations in electrochemical reactions. The representative application directions of piezotronics for catalysis have been evaluated, including selective deposition, water splitting, environmental control, and biomedical therapeutics. We envision piezotronics as a powerful and versatile strategy for modulating the electrochemical reactions. A more in-depth fundamental understanding and new material innovations will soon lead this new concept to an impactful research field in catalysis science and technology.