A simple method using citric acid as the template agent to improve photocatalytic performance of BiFeO3 nanoparticles

The bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3, BFO) photocatalysts were synthesized via a simple microwave hydrothermal process, in which the morphology and size were tailored by using different citric acid concentrations in precursor solution. The photocatalytic activity of prepared samples was evaluated by degrading rhodamine B (Rh B) under UV and visible light irradiation. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-visible diffuse reflection spectrum (DRS) were used to investigate the samples' crystallinity, purity, morphology and spectral features. When the citric acid loading amount on the BFO sample was 0.02 g, the optimal photocatalytic degradation efficiency was improved to 72.0%. On the basis of the calculated band-gap and the current experiment, the photocatalytic mechanism was also discussed.