Recent progress in the ferro-photocatalytic properties of KNbO3: a multifunctional material

Potassium niobate (KNbO 3 ) has shown unique performance in photocatalysis due to its effective strategy for mitigating charge-carrier separation. For instance, KNbO 3 (KN) is a ferroelectric semiconductor with some extraordinary photocatalytic properties (i.e., non-toxic, high stability, and chemical inertness). KN serves as a ferro-photocatalyst, offering sustainable solutions to environmental degradation. This review summarizes the fundamental characteristics and ferro-photocatalytic applications of KN and KN-based nanostructures. Initially, various fabrication techniques and structures of KN will be discussed. Subsequently, the review examines the design methods for KN-based photocatalysts to understand their functionality. Recent developments in KN photocatalysts are enabling the synthesis of composites and nanostructures with enhanced surface area and morphology, thereby improving ferroelectric and photocatalytic properties. Finally, we conclude with an outlook on the unique properties of KN and KN-based nanostructures for photocatalytic applications, including organic dye degradation and hydrogen production. In the future, KN-based nanostructures have the potential to be used for CO 2 reduction and antibiotic degradation, making them a multifunctional material.