Piezocatalytic reduction: an emerging research direction with bright prospects

Catalytic reduction represents a promising avenue for addressing some of the most pressing challenges in energy and environmental research. However, the absence of efficient electron management has emerged as a fundamental obstacle to practical applications. Piezocatalysis, a newcomer in charge carrier–based catalysis, holds the potential to overcome this bottleneck. By utilizing mechanical energy, the most ubiquitous and accessible source of energy in the environment yet underutilized, piezocatalysis enables efficient charge separation to retard recombination and thereby maximize charge utilization. This review discusses key achievements in piezocatalytic reduction for acquiring clean water, alternative fuels, and high-value-added chemicals. Challenges and potential research directions are outlined to stimulate further discussion.