Synthesis And Characterization Of Single-Phased Bifeo3 Nanostructures For Photocatalytic Applications: Hydrothermal Approach

The multiferroic material bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3, BFO) is a newly emerging photocatalytic material reported to be comparable with other oxide semiconductor materials. BFO photocatalysis encounters challenges based on its practical use. As it has a narrow energy bandgap (about 1.8-2.8 eV), the photocatalysis of visible and UV light such as hydrogen (H-2) generation by water splitting becomes possible. This chapter discusses the synthesis of single-phase BFO nanostructures approached by the hydrothermal method, and optimization of single-phase BFO nanostructures by tuning the particle size and morphology with assistance of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) as precipitating agents. Outlooks on the expansion of advanced BFO photocatalysts with possible improvement for the remediation of environmental pollution are discussed.