Structural and Functional Enhancements in BiFeO 3 Nanorods: The Effect of Nd 3+ Doping on R3c-Pnma Phase Transition, Magnetism, and Photocatalysis

Abstract

BiFeO3 and Nd3+-doped BiFeO3 nanorods were successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal method. Characterization revealed that Nd3+-doping induced a structural transformation from a rhombohedral (R3c) to an orthorhombic (Pnma) phase. The decrease in Raman modes further confirms the structural changes. This structural change, along with the nanoscale dimensions (around 50 nm diameter), significantly enhanced both the photocatalytic activity and magnetic properties of the Nd3+-doped BiFeO3 nanorods. XPS analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of Nd3+ into BiFeO3 and revealed the presence of Fe2+ ions. In addition, UV-Vis spectroscopy showed that the material has excellent visible light absorption, which is slightly red-shifted as a result of the doping. We observed greater ferromagnetism in Nd3+-BiFeO3, which we attribute to a structural change that breaks down its antiferromagnetic spin cycloid ordering. The improved photocatalytic performance of the Nd3+-BiFeO3 nanorods is attributed to the band bending process and more efficient electron-hole (e−-h+) separation, suggesting their potential for degrading organic pollutants.