Structural,magnetic and photocatalytic properties of Sr-doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles based on an ultrasonic irradiation assisted self-combustion method

A novel ultrasonic irradiation assisted self-combustion method was developed to prepare single-phase Bi_1−xSr_xFeO_3−δ (BSFO) nanoparticles, which were charactered by XRD, SEM, TEM and UV–vis spectra. The results show that structure, as well as magnetic and photocatalytic properties of BSFO are influenced by the particle size and the Sr²⁺ dopant content. Regarding smaller particles, even if small amount of Sr²⁺ substitution content change can result in the phase transition from the rhombohedral distorted perovskite to the cubic. The doping of heterovalent Sr²⁺ ions in BiFeO₃ (BFO) nanoparticles improves the ferromagnetic property. As ultrasonication can generate particles with larger surface area and more defections, BSFO nanoparticles exhibit efficient photocatalytic activity as a promising photocatalyst.     

Photocatalytic,magnetic, and electrochemical properties of La doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles

We successfully prepared La_1?xBi_xFeO₃ (L_xB_1?xFO, x?=?0.01–0.1) nanoparticles using a sol-gel technique, and studied their photocatalytic, magnetic, and electrochemical properties. Structural refinement studies of the prepared nanoparticles revealed a gradual structural transition from rhombohedral to orthorhombic. The average grain size was observed to decrease with increasing the concentration of La. The photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) in the presence of the prepared nanoparticles was studied under visible light irradiation. The L_0.06B_0.94FO nanoparticles showed higher degradation efficiency compared to pure BiFeO₃ (BFO) nanoparticles. Magnetic studies showed that La doping improved the magnetization of BFO due to the reduction in grain size and destruction of cycloid coupling of spins. Higher specific capacitance values were obtained for La doped BFO (LBFO) nanoparticles compared to BFO nanoparticles. A maximum specific capacitance of 219?F?g^?1 was obtained at a current density of 1?A?g^?1 for LBFO nanoparticles.     

A-site strontium doping effects on structure,magnetic, and photovoltaic properties of (Bi1−xSrx)FeO3−δ multiferroic ceramics

Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), magnetization hysteresis loop, synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and photovoltaic effects have been measured in (Bi_1−xSr_x)FeO_3−δ (BFO100xSr) ceramics for x=0.0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15. Raman spectra and XRD reveal a rhombohedral R3c structure in all compounds. A-site Sr²⁺ doping increases fluctuations in cation-site occupancy and causes broadening in Raman modes. BFO15Sr exhibits a strong ferromagnetic feature due to reduction of FeOFe bond angle evidenced by the extended synchrotron X-ray absorption fine structure. The heterostructure of indium tin oxide (ITO) film/(Bi_1−xSr_x)FeO_3−δ ceramic/Au film exhibit clear photovoltaic (PV) responses under blue illumination of λ=405 nm. The maximal power-conversion efficiency and external quantum efficiency in ITO/BFO5Sr/Au are about 0.004% and 0.2%, respectively. A model based on optically excited charges in the depletion region between ITO and (Bi_1−xSr_x)FeO_3−δ can well describe open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current as a function of illumination intensity.     

Synthesis,electrical and magnetic characteristics of Nd-modified BiFeO3

The polycrystalline Nd-modified bismuth ferrite BiFeO₃ (Bi_1−xNd_xFeO₃ (BNFO) (x=0, 0.05, 0.15, and 0.25)) were prepared in a single-phase using a standard and cost effective solid-state reaction method. In order to check the quality and formation of the compounds x-rays diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) techniques were used. Preliminary structural analysis indicates that the crystal structure of BNFO is rhombohedra for its low content of Nd (x=0, 0.05, 0.15) whereas for higher content (x=0.25) it is tetragonal. The dielectric and ferroelectric properties of BiFeO₃ (BFO) were dramatically enhanced on the above Nd-substitutions. Study of the frequency dependence of ac conductivity suggests that the materials obey Jonscher׳s universal power law. An increase in Nd-content in BNFO results in the enhancement of spontaneous magnetization of BFO because of the collapse of spin cycloid structure.     

Investigation of Tb-doping on structural transition and multiferroic properties of BiFeO3 thin films

Pure BiFeO₃ (BFO) and Bi_1−xTb_xFeO₃ (BTFO) thin films were successfully prepared on FTO (fluorine doped tin oxide) substrates by the sol–gel spin-coating method. The effects of Tb-doping on the structural transition, leakage current, and dielectric and multiferroic properties of the BTFO thin films have been investigated systematically. XRD, Rietveld refinement and Raman spectroscopy results clearly reveal that a structural transition occurs from the rhombohedral (R3c:H) to the biphasic structure (R3c:H+R-3m:R) with Tb-doping. The leakage current density of BTFO_x=0.10 thin film is two orders lower than that of the pure BFO, i.e. 5.1×10⁻⁷ A/cm² at 100 kV/cm. Furthermore, the electrical conduction mechanism of the BTFO thin films is dominated by space-charge-limited conduction. The two-phase coexistence of BTFO_x=0.10 gives rise to the superior ferroelectric (2P_r=135.1 μC/cm²) and the enhanced ferromagnetic properties (M_s=6.3 emu/cm³). The optimal performance of the BTFO thin films is mainly attributed to the biphasic structure and the distorted deformation of FeO₆ octahedra.     

Effect of Dy-substitution on structural,electrical and magnetic properties of multiferroic BiFeO3 ceramics

The polycrystalline samples of dysprosium (Dy)-modified bismuth ferrite (i.e., Bi_1−xDy_xFeO₃; x=0–0.2 with the interval of 0.05) (BDFO) were synthesized using a high-temperature solid-state reaction method. Preliminary X-ray structural analysis showed that the reported crystal structure of BiFeO₃ (rhombohedral) is invariant even with Dy-substitution at the Bi-site upto x=0.2. The scanning electron micrograph of the compounds showed (i) the uniform distribution of grains on the sample surface with high density and (ii) reduction of grain size on increasing Dy content in BiFeO₃ (BFO). Studies of impedance, electrical modulus and electric conductivity of the materials in wide frequency (10–1000 kHz) and temperature (30–500 °C) ranges using a complex impedance spectroscopy technique have provided new and interesting information on the contribution of grains, grain boundary and interface in these parameters. Detailed studies of impedance spectroscopy clearly exhibit the dielectric relaxation of non-Debye type. The ac conductivity of the Dy-substituted BFO obeyed Jonscher's universal power law. An increase in Dy-content in BDFO results in the increase of spontaneous magnetization of BFO due to the collapse of spin cycloid structure.     

Piezoresponse force microscopy characterization of rare-earth doped BiFeO3 thin films grown by the soft chemical method

The multiferroic behavior with ion modification using rare-earth cations on crystal structures, along with the insulating properties of BiFeO₃ (BFO) thin films was investigated using piezoresponse force microscopy. Rare-earth-substituted BFO films with chemical compositions of (Bi_1.00−xRE_xFe_1.00O₃ (x=0; 0.15), RE=La and Nd were fabricated on Pt (111)/Ti/SiO₂/Si substrates using a chemical solution deposition technique. A crystalline phase of tetragonal BFO was obtained by heat treatment in ambient atmosphere at 500 °C for 2 h. Ion modification using La³⁺ and Nd³⁺ cations lowered the leakage current density of the BFO films at room temperature from approximately 10⁻⁶ down to 10⁻⁸ A/cm². The observed improved magnetism of the Nd³⁺ substituted BFO thin films can be related to the plate-like morphology in a nanometer scale. We observed that various types of domain behavior such as 71° and 180° domain switching, and pinned domain formation occurred. The maximum magnetoelectric coefficient in the longitudinal direction was close to 12 V/cm Oe.     

Stabilization of α-BiFeO3 structure by Sr2+ and its effect on multiferroic properties

We report a study on the effect of the substitution of Bi³⁺ by Sr²⁺ on the stabilization of R3c structure of Bi_1?xSr_xFeO₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3, Δx = 0.05), and its effect in the magnetic and dielectric behavior. Stoichiometric mixtures of Bi₂O₃, Fe₂O₃ and SrO were mixed and milled for 5?h using a ball to powder weight ratio of 10:1 by high-energy ball milling. The obtained powder were pressed at 900?MPa to obtain cylindrical pellets and sintered at 800?°C for 2?h. X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement were used to evaluate the effect of Sr²⁺ on the crystal structure. In addition, vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and dielectric tests were used for describing the multiferroic behavior. The results show that Sr-doped BiFeO₃ particles present rhombohedral structure (R3c) characteristic of α-BiFeO₃ when the doping is below 0.10?mol of Sr. Additionally, a gradual decrease in the amount of secondary phases with the increase of the amount of strontium is observed. For doping concentration higher than 0.15?mol of Sr, a phase transition to an orthorhombic symmetry (β-BiFeO₃, Pbnm) is detected. Besides, changes in relative intensities of reflection peaks planes (110) and (104) are associated with the phase transformations and with the magnetic and dielectric behavior. The α-BiFeO₃ phase show antiferromagnetic behavior and high values of dielectric permittivity, whereas the β-BiFeO₃ phase show a ferromagnetic behavior and low dielectric permittivity.     

Dispersion studies of La substitution on dielectric and ferroelectric properties of multiferroic BiFeO3 ceramic

Lanthanum La-substituted multiferroic Bi_1−xLa_xFeO₃ ceramics with x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25 have been prepared by solution combustion method. The effect of La substitution for the dispersion studies on dielectric and ferroelectric properties of Bi_1−xLa_xFeO₃ samples have been studied by performing x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), density, dc resistivity and dielectric measurements as well as characterizing the polarization-field hysteresis loop. The results of prepared samples are compared with those of bismuth ferrite (BiFeO₃). In the measuring frequency of 10 KHz to 1 MHz, the dielectric constants and dielectric losses for samples x = 0.20, 0.25 are almost stable and exhibited lowest dielectric loss close to 0.1. The resistivity of Bi_1−xLa_xFeO₃ samples reaches a maximum value of 10⁹ ohm-cm, which is about three times higher than that for pure BiFeO₃. The results also show that stabilization of crystal structure and nonuniformity in spin cycloid structure by La substitution enhances the resistivity, dielectric and ferroelectric properties. Furthermore, the substitution of rare earth La for Bi helps to eliminate the impurity phase in BiFeO₃ ceramic.     

Role of (La,Gd) co-doping on the enhanced dielectric and magnetic properties of BiFeO3 ceramics

The effect of the La³⁺ and Gd³⁺ co-doping on the structure, electric and magnetic properties of BiFeO₃ (BFO) ceramics are investigated. For the compositions (x=0 and 0≤y≤0.15) in the perovskite structured La_xGd_yBi_1−(x+y)FeO₃ system, a tiny residual phase of Bi₂Fe₄O₉ is noticed. Such a secondary phase is suppressed with the incorporation of ‘La’ content (x). The magnitude of dielectric constant (ε_r) increases progressively by increasing the ‘La’ content from x=0 to 0.15 with a remarkable decrease of dielectric loss. For x=0.15, the system La_xGd_yBi_1−(x+y)FeO₃ exhibits highest remanent magnetization (M_r) of 0.18 emu/g and coercive magnetic field (H_C) of ~1 T in the presence of external magnetic field of 9 T at 300 K. The origin of enhanced dielectric and magnetic properties of La_xGd_yBi_1−(x+y)FeO₃ and the role of doping elements, La³⁺, Gd³⁺ has been discussed.     

Microstructures,magnetic, and dielectric properties of Ba-doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles synthesized via molten salt route

As the paradigm of magnetoelectric multiferroic materials, BiFeO₃ (BFO) has potential applications in spintronics, memory devices, sensors, and actuators. However, its large leakage current and small magnetism at room temperature restrict its practical applications. It is demonstrated that the substitutions of Bi by alkali earth elements at A-site of BFO can significantly reduce the leakage current and enhance the remanent magnetization of BFO. In this work, Ba-doped BFO nanoparticles Bi_1-xBa_xFeO₃ (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20) were synthesized via molten salt route. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that with increasing the Ba-doped content the formation of the impurity phase was depressed and the rhombohedral distortions of these nanoparticles were suppressed, as confirmed by Raman spectra. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements reveal that the Fe element in the nanoparticles exists in the dual valence states of Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺, and two kinds of oxygen atoms (lattice oxygen atoms and the adsorbed oxygen atoms) exist in the nanoparticles. With increasing the Ba-doped content, the content ratios of Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺ ions were generally increased, whereas the oxygen vacancy concentrations were decreased. The average particle sizes of the Ba-doped BFO nanoparticles were decreased as compared with that of nondoped BFO nanoparticles. In contrast, the room temperature magnetization of the Ba-doped BFO nanoparticles was greatly enhanced by Ba-substitution, as confirmed by the M-H loops. At room temperature, the remanent magnetization and coercive field of the Bi_0.8Ba_0.2FeO₃ nanoparticles were 0.51 emu/g and 1130 Oe, respectively. Furthermore, the leakage current density was reduced by one order of magnitude at x = 0.2 and the dielectric properties are also improved by Ba-substitution. The improvements on the remanent magnetization, leakage current density as well as dielectric properties of the Ba-doped BFO nanoparticles make them promising candidates for spintronics and dielectric energy storages.     

Structural,dielectric, vibrational and magnetic properties of Sm doped BiFeO3 multiferroic ceramics prepared by a rapid liquid phase sintering method

Rare earth Sm substituted Bi_1−xSm_xFeO₃ with x=0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075 and 0.10 polycrystalline ceramics were synthesized by a rapid liquid phase sintering method. The effect of varying composition of Sm substitution on the structural, dielectric, vibrational, optical and magnetic properties of doped BiFeO₃ (BFO) ceramics have been investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns of the synthesized rare earth substituted multiferroic ceramics showed the pure phase formation with distorted rhombohedral structure with space group R3c. Good agreement between the observed and calculated diffraction patterns of Sm doped BFO ceramics in Rietveld refinement analysis of the X-ray diffraction patterns and Raman spectroscopy also confirmed the distorted rhombohedral perovskite structure with R3c symmetry. Dielectric measurements showed improved dielectric properties and magnetoelectric coupling around Néel temperature in all the doped samples. FTIR analysis establishes O–Fe–O and Fe–O stretching vibrations in BiFeO₃ and Sm-doped BiFeO₃. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed visible range emissions in modified BiFeO₃ ceramics. The magnetic hysteresis measurements at room temperature and 5 K showed the increase in the magnetization with the increase in doping concentration of Sm which is due to the structural distortion and partial destruction of spin cycloid caused by Sm doping in BFO ceramics.     

Comparative studies by X-ray diffraction,Raman, vibrating sample magnetometer and Mössbauer spectroscopy of pure,Sr doped and Sr,Co co-doped BiFeO3 ceramic synthesized via tartaric acid-assisted technique

Pure BiFeO₃ (BFO), Sr-doped Bi_0.97Sr_0.03FeO₃ (BSFO) and Sr, Co co-doped Bi_0.97Sr_0.03Fe_0.8Co_0.2O₃ (BSFCO) samples have been prepared via a tartaric acid-assisted sol-gel technique. Investigation of the structure, lattice dynamics, magnetization and hyperfine interaction have been performed through X–ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Raman spectroscopy (RS), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS). The TEM images show that the particle sizes <D> of BFO, BSFO and BSFCO are respectively 11.4, 12.1 and 8.8 nm. The XRD analysis reflects a structural phase transition from rhombohedral R3c structure in case of BFO and BSFO samples to two phase coexistence (rhombohedral R3c and trigonal R–3m:R) in case of BSFCO sample. This structural phase transition has been strongly confirmed by the alterations in the vibration modes observed in Raman spectra (expansion, shift, merge, and reduced intensity). Second order vibration modes, corresponding to the two-phonon scattering in the range 650–1000 cm⁻¹, have been recorded for all samples. Investigation of magnetic properties reveals that pure and Sr doped samples possess considerably high magnetic saturations (Ms = 5.61 and 5.79 emu/g respectively). Additionally, BSFCO sample shows enhancement in Ms (Ms rises to 8.26 emu/g). Suppression of spiral spin structure caused by the small nano-size has been assumed. The destruction of the spiral spin has been also suggested through M össbauer studies. The hyperfine parameters reveal that only Fe³⁺ is observed in two different nonequivalent trigonal distorted octahedral environments. The outcome of this work suggests the potentiality of Sr, Co co-doping to improve the structure and ferromagnetism of BiFeO₃ ceramic making it feasible to be employed in enormous applications.     

Influence of Eu and Sr co-substitution on multiferroic properties of BiFeO3

Pure BiFeO₃ (BFO), and Eu-Sr co-substituted BFO samples were prepared by a sol–gel method. The effects of Eu and Sr codoped on the structural, morphological, magnetic and ferroelectric properties were systematically investigated. The X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reveal that substitution of Eu and Sr at the Bi site results in structural change and single phase formation. The maximum remnant magnetization of 0.287 emu/g and coercive field of 10.305 kOe are observed in the Bi_0.85Eu_0.05Sr_0.10FeO₃ sample. The suppression of spin cycloid caused from the structural distortion can play an important role in the improvement of magnetic properties. The Eu and Sr co-doped samples also exhibit good ferroelectric properties, which may be attributed to suppressing the formation of oxygen vacancies by Eu substitution.     

Enhanced electric and magnetic properties of (BiLi)1/2(Fe2/3W1/3)O3 multiferroic as compared to BiFeO3

Very low electric and magnetic moments are the two major disadvantages which restrict the practical applications of BiFeO₃. We have doped Li⁺ and W⁶⁺ in Bi³⁺ and Fe³⁺ site respectively to overcome the limitations of BiFeO₃. Pure BiFeO₃ and (BiLi)_1/2(Fe_2/3W_1/3)O₃ (BLFWO) are synthesized by a solid-state reaction technique. The samples are characterized by X-ray diffractometer, LCR meter, P–E loop tracer, vibrating sample magnetometer and dc resistivity setup to understand their different properties. Dielectric and impedance studies of the samples are measured at different frequency (10²–10⁶ Hz) in a wide temperature range (30–375 °C). Due to co-doping in pure BFO the remnant polarization and remnant magnetization are enhanced and thus BLFWO may show large industrial utility.     

Structural and magnetic studies of A site doped LaRh1−xCuxO3(A=Ca2+, Sr2+, Pb2+ and Bi3+)

A site doped Rh perovskites with general formula La_0.75A_0.25Rh_0.7Cu_0.3O₃ and La_0.75A_0.25Rh_0.5Cu_0.5O₃ (A=Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Pb²⁺and Bi³⁺) were synthesized by solid-state methods and their crystallographic, magnetic, and electric properties investigated. Doping by divalent cations resulted in much lower cell volumes and octahedral distortions than doping with a trivalent oxide. The Pb²⁺ and Bi³⁺ (6s²) doped oxides exhibited the lowest magnetic moments and the highest activation energies. Magnetization curves are indicative of antiferromagnetic behavior. The addition of Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Pb²⁺and Bi³⁺cations to the A-site decreases the conductivity.     

Magnetoelectric coupling in multiferroic BiFeO3 by co-doping with strontium and nickel

We report the effects of the Sr²⁺ and Ni²⁺ co-doping of BiFeO₃ on the crystal structure and multiferroic properties of Bi_1?xSr_xFe_1-yNi_yO₃ (x?=?0.05, 0.0?≤?y?≤?0.10, and Δy?=?0.05) that is synthesized using assisted high-energy ball milling. The mixtures of Bi₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, SrO and NiO were milled for 5?h, pressed at 900?MPa, and sintered at 800?°C in order to obtain cylindrical test pieces. X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement elucidated the effects of Sr²⁺ and Ni²⁺ on the crystal structure. Co-doping with SrNi in suitable proportions stabilizes rhombohedral BiFeO₃. High contents of Ni²⁺ promote the precipitation of secondary phases in the forms of NiFe₂O₄ and Bi₂₅FeO₄₀. The magnetic behavior was examined by means of vibrating sample magnetometry. The results showed a change in the magnetic order from antiferromagnetic for the undoped sample to the ferromagnetic order for the co-doped samples. This change is attributed to the modulations in the magnetic moment due to crystal structure distortions. All samples show high relative permittivity values, which were enhanced by doping with Sr²⁺. Ni²⁺ cations increase the dielectric dissipation factor; this enhancement is related to their interactions with cations of a different oxidation state, such as Fe³⁺, Fe²⁺, Ni²⁺, Bi³⁺ and Sr²⁺ in the crystal structure of BiFeO₃. The magnetoelectric coupling that was evaluated using magnetodielectric measurements was above 4% at 1?kHz for the higher applied magnetic field of 18?kOe.     

Li ion conduction of perovskite Li0.375Sr0.4375Ti0.25Ta0.75O3 and related compounds

In this work, perovskite-structured Li_0.375Sr_0.4375M_0.25N_0.75O₃ (M=Ti, Sn, N=Nb, Ta) solid electrolytes were synthesized by conventional solid state reaction method. Phase compositions, fractured morphologies and conductivities of these compounds were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and AC-impedance spectroscopy, respectively. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms that all of Li_0.375Sr_0.4375M_0.25N_0.75O₃ (M=Ti, Sn, N=Nb, Ta) ceramics present perovskite structure. Pure Li_0.375Sr_0.4375Ti_0.25Ta_0.75O₃ and Li_0.375Sr_0.4375Sn_0.25Ta_0.75O₃ perovskite ceramics were obtained. But impurities were detected in Li_0.375Sr_0.4375Ti_0.25Nb_0.75O₃ and Li_0.375Sr_0.4375Sn_0.25Nb_0.75O₃. Among all investigated compounds, Li_0.375Sr_0.4375Ti_0.25Ta_0.75O₃ shows the highest total ionic conductivity of 2.60 × 10^?4 S cm^?1 at room temperature and the lowest activation energy of 0.347 eV. Conductivities of Li_0.375Sr_0.4375Sn_0.25Ta_0.75O₃ and Li_0.375Sr_0.4375Sn_0.25Nb_0.75O₃ were 4.4 × 10^?5 S cm^?1 and 1.82 × 10^?6 S cm^?1, respectively. Their conductivities were much lower than Li_0.375Sr_0.4375Ti_0.25Ta_0.75O₃ and Li_0.375Sr_0.4375Ti_0.25Nb_0.75O₃.     

Effect of Nb substitution on magnetic,ferroelectric and photocatalytic properties of Bi0.95Sm0.05Fe1-xNbxO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) nanoparticles

The single phase Bi_0.95Sm_0.05Fe_1-xNb_xO₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol-gel route, and the effect of Nb substitution on their magnetic, ferroelectric and photocatalytic properties were studied. X-ray diffractometry confirms a phase transformation from rhombohedral to orthorhombic with an increase in Nb substitution. The grain size decreases significantly, and the morphology of grains becomes homogeneous with the increase of Nb concentration. The maximum remnant magnetization (0.014 emu/g), coercivity (565 Oe) and polarization (0.592 μC/cm²) are observed in Bi_0.95Sm_0.05Fe_0.9Nb_0.1O₃. It has been observed that the energy band gap has been slightly reduced from 2.14 to 2.03 eV with Nb substitution, indicating an improvement of photocatalytic activity. The methylene blue degradation is used to represent the photocatalytic ability of Bi_0.95Sm_0.05Fe_1-xNb_xO₃ nanoparticles. The highest degradation efficiency (~74%) of methylene blue is obtained in Bi_0.95Sm_0.05Fe_0.93Nb_0.07O₃, which is much higher than that of Bi_0.95Sm_0.05FeO₃ (~51%) and can be attributed to the optimum particle size and the smallest energy band gap.     

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of Bi2Fe4O9/graphene via modifying graphene composite

Bi₂Fe₄O₉ (BFO) is one of the most important photocatalyst materials and its composition with graphene may leave an optimizing effect on the photocatalytic performance. In this paper, reduced graphene oxide (RGO) with various contents is selected to be composited with BFO successfully via one‐step hydrothermal method. A series of BFO‐xRGO (x=0, 1.25, 2.50, 3.75, 5, 6.25, and 7.50 wt.%) were prepared and the effects of RGO content on crystalline, light absorption, impedance, and photocatalytic degradation rate of methyl violet (MV) solution are characterized. The entire film samples exhibit enhanced photocatalytic efficiency. Especially, with 5 wt.% RGO content added, the film sample shows the best photocatalytic degradation efficiency with a MV solution degradation rate of 95%. This implies that the composition of RGO allows BFO‐based thin film as an efficient photocatalyst candidate, and as well, the BFO/RGO composite possesses the potential for better use in the related photocatalyst applications.