Abstract
In order to further improve the photocatalytic performance of BiFeO3 (BFO), novel Au-induced hierarchical nanofibers/nanoflakes structured BiFeO3 homojunctions (Aux-BFO, x = 0, 0. 6, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4 wt%) were in situ synthesized through a simple reduction method with assist of sodium citrate under the analogous hydrothermal environment. The effect of loading amount of Au nanoparticles (NPs) on the physicochemical properties and photocatalytic activity was investigated in detail. The Au1.2-BFO NFs sample show the best photocatalytic activity (85.76%), much higher than that for pure BFO samples (49.49%), mainly due to the hierarchical nanofibers/nanoflakes structured homojunction, the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of Au NPs, as well as the presence of defects (Fe2+/Fe3+ pairs and oxygen vacancy). Furthermore, the possible formation mechanism of the unique homojunction and the enhanced photocatalytic mechanism for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye are proposed. It is proven that holes (h+) play the decisive role in the photocatalytic process. The present work provides a fascinating way to synthesize efficient homojunctions for the degradation of organic pollutes.
Highlights
Nowadays, energy crisis and environmental deterioration issues are severely detrimental for economic development and human health (Wang et al, 2013)
All the diffraction peaks of pure BFO NFs can be indexed to the rhombohedral perovskite structure with R3m space group of the BiFeO3 phase (JCPDS card no. 86–1518) (Chen et al, 2017)
It is necessary to deposit an appropriate amount of Au NPs on the surface of BFO NFs to promote the efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, enhancing the photocatalytic activity
Summary
Energy crisis and environmental deterioration issues are severely detrimental for economic development and human health (Wang et al, 2013). The formed Schottky junctions between Au NPs and BFO nanofibers (NFs) can adjust the interfacial band structure and promote the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
