| Abstract: BiFeO3 particles with various morphologies and sizes were synthesized by a KNO3 assisted hydrothermal method. The Effect of KNO3 concentration was studied on the morphology and size of BiFeO3 crystal. The BiFeO3 samples were characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results show that the morphology and size of the micro-/nano BiFeO3 crystals not only strongly influence the optical response but also the visible-light photocatalytic activities. The absorption edge shifts to shorter wavelength and the photocatalytic activity enhances with decrease in the size of BiFeO3 particles. The results reveal that BiFeO3 can also be used as an effective photocatalyst under visible light in addition to its ferroelectric and magnetic applications. |
