Formation and photocatalytic properties of bismuth ferrite submicrocrystals with tunable morphologies

Abstract

We report the synthesis of ternary bismuth ferrites Bi₂Fe₄O₉ submicrocrystals with tunable morphologies from sheets, plates, to cubes under hydrothermal conditions. These Bi₂Fe₄O₉ submicrocrystals were single crystal with dominating {001}, {110} and {10} facets. The crystal growth and the influence of hydroxide on the shape formation and morphology control of the Bi₂Fe₄O₉ submicrocrystals are explored. Anisotropic growth on the (001) facets has been achieved by increasing the concentration of hydroxide, and an oriented attachment mechanism has been suggested for the formation of the Bi₂Fe₄O₉ submicrocrystals. The photocatalytic activities of the Bi₂Fe₄O₉ submicrocrystals have also been investigated. The results show that Bi₂Fe₄O₉ submicrocrystals have promise as a novel material for photocatalytic applications.