Piezoelectric BaTiO3 with the milling treatment for highly efficient piezocatalysis under vibration

•The RhB decomposition ratio of the milled and unmilled BaTiO3 under 20 min vibration are respectively ~ 94% and 65%.•The enhanced catalysis is due to the increase of both the specific surface area and polarization strength after milling.•The milling provides a convenient, fast, and effective method for improving the piezocatalysis.