Synthesis of GdFeO3 microspheres assembled by nanoparticles as magnetically recoverable and visible-light-driven photocatalysts

GdFeO3 microspheres were synthesized by a hydrothermal method followed by calcination. Citrate acid and ethylene glycol were found to be key factors to the purity and the surface morphology of the GdFeO3 microspheres. UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectrum shows that the products have broad absorption in visible-light region, whereas the magnetic measurement indicates the products show weak ferromagnetic behavior and can be easily separated from the suspension by a magnet. The photocatalytic experiment demonstrates that the prepared GdFeO3 microspheres exhibit well and stable photocatalytic activity for decomposition of 4-chlorophenol under visible-light irradiation, which is ascribed to their porous structures as well as narrow optical band gap.

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► GdFeO3 with controllable surface morphology was prepared.
► GdFeO3 microspheres have broad absorption in visible-light region.
► GdFeO3 microspheres can be easily separated by a magnet from the suspension.
► Porous structures promote high visible-light photocatalytic activity.