Preparation of Bi₂Fe₄O₉particles by hydrothermal synthesis and functional properties

Abstract

In the present study, particles with different Bi2Fe4O9 micro/nanostructures with a few particular morphologies (flower-like nanoplatelets, hierarchical microstructures, perfectly square platelets single crystals, etc.) obtained under specific hydrothermal synthesis conditions were investigated. The role of the processing parameters (such as NaOH concentration, reaction temperature, and reaction duration time) on the phase formation mechanism and on the microstructural characteristics was investigated. All the Bi2Fe4O9 morphologies showed orthorhombic symmetry with space group Pbam. The photocatalytic properties and magnetic behavior as a function of the micro/nanostructural characteristics of various Bi2Fe4O9 powders were determined. In the presence of Bi2Fe4O9, a degradation rate of Rose Bengal in the range of 52–61% was determined after 180 min under UV light irradiation (λ = 254 nm). Magnetic activity with antiferromagnetic behavior and a transition at ∼240 K slightly dependent on the microstructures was found. The role of Bi2Fe4O9 microstructures in the photocatalytic activity and magnetic properties was discussed.