Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity and Ferromagnetism in Gd Doped BiFeO₃ Nanoparticles

Abstract

BiFeO 3 (BFO) is of considerable interest because of its potential applications in the design of devices combining magnetic, electronic, and optical functionalities. Effects of the Gd dopant on the structural, photocatalytic activity, and ferromagnetic properties of BFO nanoparticles have been studied. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra results of Bi 1-x Gd x FeO 3 (BGFO x , x ) 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15) reflect that the crystal structure of the samples remain stable for x < 0.1, while compositional-driven phase transition from rhombohedral to orthorhombic is observed at x ) 0.1. The photocatalytic activity to decompose Rhodamine-B under visiblelight illumination increases in BGFO x as x increases from zero to 0.1 and then decreases for x ) 0.15. The maximum in photocatalytic activity near the phase boundary of x ) 0.1 is associated with the changing of the polar behavior of the nanoparticles. Comparing with the linear magnetization-magnetic field (M-H) relation in pure BFO nanoparticles, obvious M-H loops can be observed in the doped samples, which are ascribed to the distorted spin cycloid and magnetically active characteristic of Gd 3+ ions.

Production and structural and magnetic characterization of a Bi1-xYxFeO3(x = 0, 0.25 and 0.30) system

“…In spite of this complex magnetic behavior, this compound has a great potential for information storage, sensors, and electric field controlled devices. It has been shown that by substitution of elements at the A-site (Bi) or B-site (Fe), the SSMS can be suppressed and, therefore, enhancement of the magnetic properties is evidenced [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. Rare-earth elements (La, Nd, Eu, Dy, Gd, Ho, Y, etc.)…”

Preparation, structural and magnetic studies on BiFe1-xCrxO3 (x = 0.0, 0.05 and 0.1) multiferroic nanoparticles

“…18,19 Improved and interesting magnetic properties have been found in pure and doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles prepared by different methods. [20][21][22][23] Visible light photocatalytic properties have been seen in BFO nanoparticles. 24 Microwave absorption properties of BiFeO 3 nanoparticles have been found to be better than those of bulk BFO.…”

Sol-gel synthesis and characterisation of (Nd, Cr) co-doped BiFeO3nanoparticles

“…[19] Guo et al reported an enhanced photocatalytic activity in Gd-doped BFO nanoparticles by degrading rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light illumination. [20] Di et al synthesised BFO samples with different morphologies by hydrothermal method and decorated BFO particles with Ag. They showed an enhancement of RhB degradation by Ag-decorated BFO compared to undecorated BFO under simulated sunlight.…”