Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic properties of Bi0.85−XMXBa0.15FeO3 (M = Na and K, X = 0, 0.1) perovskite-like nanoparticles using the sol-gel method

Abstract

Bismuth barium ferrite Bi0.85−xMxBa0.15FeO3 (M = Na and K, x = 0, 0.1) nanoparticles doped with sodium and potassium metal ions were synthesized via the citric acid (4.0 × 10−1 moldm−3) route in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS (0.35 moldm−3) by sol-gel method. The obtained powders were pre-calcined at 400 °C for 4 h. Separate portions each of the powders were annealed at temperatures of 600, 700 and 800 °C for 4 h. The powders were characterized using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method, which indicated that the powders have a perovskite structure which have crystallized in rhombohedral lattice. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed clusters of polycrystalline nanoparticles having uniform sizes. Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) spectrophotometer was used to investigate the B-site formation and purity of the perovskite nanoparticle. The Uv-vis DRS spectrum of the powders was also determined. The performance of the powder as photocatalyst was evaluated using a model organic pollutant, Methylene blue, under visible light irradiation for 2 h. The Na and K doped powders showed a very useful application for photodegradation of the dye under the visible light region. Studies in this research showed that powders annealed at 400 °C were not very active and that activity increased with increased in annealing temperature. The photocatalytic activities of the powders is enhanced with the addition of peroxide (H2O2) and the effect of pH was investigated.