Microwave hydrothermal synthesis of BiFeO3: Impact of different surfactants on the morphology and photocatalytic properties

Pure-phase BiFeO3 catalysts with different morphologies were synthesized by microwave hydrothermal treatment at 200 °C with and without surfactant. The as-prepared catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Their photocatalytic properties were also explored. Ball-like (no surfactant), flower-like (EDTA), and honeycomb-like (polyvinylpyrrolidone) BiFeO3 catalysts were obtained. Surfactant addition decreased the bandgap of BiFeO3 catalysts. The specific surface area for ball-like, flower-like, and honeycomb-like BiFeO3 catalysts was 7.48, 3.48, and 12.38 m2/g, and the rate of rhodamine B degradation under UV light was 49%, 61%, and 87%, respectively, at 4 h.