In the context of the energy transition, the production of hydrogen from solar energy appears to be an extremely promising means of storing and then producing energy. The photoelectrolysis of water, to develop on a large scale, needs materials with high catalytic efficiency. Among the candidates considered, materials derived from barium titanates appear promising because their ferro- and piezoelectric properties could increase their photocatalytic effect.

We therefore propose in this subject, carried out in collaboration between the LEEL of the CEA and the SPMS of Centrale – Supelec, to synthesize BaTiO3 nanoparticles by flame spray pyrolysis with substitutions on Ba and O in order to study the effect of these modifications on the ferroelectric properties of the material. The addition of noble metal inclusions on the surface of the particles, likely to improve the catalysis, will also be carried out during the synthesis of the latter. Finally, photocatalysis and piezocatalysis tests will make it possible to establish the links between ferroelectric and catalytic phenomena in this family of materials.