PVP-assisted hydrothermal synthesis and photocatalytic activity of single-crystalline BiFeO3 nanorods

Abstract

One-dimensional, single-crystalline bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) nanorods were successfully prepared by polyvinylpyrrolidone-assisted hydrothermal process. The crystal structure and morphology of the as-prepared BiFeO3 sample were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy. The XRD analysis reveals that single-phase BiFeO3 sample was obtained. Morphology observation shows that the as-formed BiFeO3 nanoparticles are the shape of nanorods. The band gap of the as-prepared BiFeO3 nanorods was identified by ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectrum. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic properties of the as-prepared BiFeO3 nanorods were evaluated by degrading Rhodamine B. The result revealed that the as-prepared BiFeO3 nanorods exhibit photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation (λ ≥ 400 nm).