Enhanced visible-light-response photocatalytic activity of bismuth ferrite nanoparticles

Multiferroic BiFeO3 nanoparticles were prepared by a sol–gel rapid calcination technique with average diameter of 35 nm with narrow size distribution. The band gap was determined to be 2.06 eV, indicating their potential application as visible-light-response photocatalyst. The photocatalytic behaviors of BiFeO3 nanoparticles were estimated by the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. And the photocatalytic activities under different pH values were further studied for the first time. The result shows that the BiFeO3 nanoparticles exhibit the highest photocatalytic activity in the solution with the lowest pH value, almost 100 times higher than that of the bulk.

Graphical abstractThe combination of weak ferromagnetism and enhanced visible-light-induced photocatalytic activity endows BiFeO3 nanomaterials everlasting interests as a promising photocatalyst in water treatment.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Multiferroic BiFeO3 nanoparticles were prepared by a sol–gel rapid calcination technique. ► Their photocatalytic behaviors were estimated under visible light irradiation. ► The photocatalytic activities under different pH values were further studied. ► BiFeO3 nanoparticles exhibit the highest photocatalytic activity, almost 100 times higher than that of the bulk.