Synthesis and characterization of porous BiFeO3 nanoparticles via a Pluronic P123-assisted sol-gel method

Porous BiFeO₃ nanoparticles were synthesized via sol-gel method in the presence of block copolymer Pluronic P123 surfactant. X-ray diffraction results showed that the nanoparticles were of single perovskite phase. Transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the porous BiFeO₃ nanoparticles could only be synthesized at a lower calcining temperature in the range of 400-450degC. Nitrogen absorption-desorption isotherms suggested that the mesopores were aggregated pores which were formed by the aggregation of small primary particles. Bandgap value of 2.01 eV derived from UV-vis spectrum indicated that BiFeO₃ was a potential candidate for visible-light photocatalytic applications. The photocatalytic property of the porous BiFeO₃ nanoparticles were investigated by the photodegradation of methyl orange. The porous powders exhibited better catalytic activity than the nonporous ones.