Low-temperature synthesis of pure BiFeO3 phase and variation in its morphology with temperature

Abstract

Pure BiFeO3 samples were synthesized at low temperatures using hydrothermal/solvothermal method. The synthesis temperature of pure BiFeO3 is continuously lowered while maintaining a high yield to lay the foundation for future industrialization. The morphological changes in BiFeO3 synthesized at different temperatures were analyzed and the growth patterns discovered. The essential factor that affects the morphological changes was analyzed and reasonable explanations for these changes are given. The effect of organic solvent on sample morphology was observed. BiFeO3 samples with better morphology were prepared by adding a proper surfactant. The synthesized pure BiFeO3 phase reveals room temperature ferromagnetism, and the magnetism decreases as the particle size decreases.