A novel synthesis of forest like BiFeO3 thin film: Photo-electrochemical studies and its application as a photocatalyst for phenol degradation

• Published in: Applied surface science 2019-07, Vol.483, p.793-802
• Main Authors: Zargazi, Mahboobeh, Entezari, Mohammad H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bismuth ferrite; Electrophoretic deposition; Photocatalytic activity; Thin film
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2019.03.347

Forest-like BiFeO3 film formed through electrophoretic deposition of a prepared sol over stainless steel mesh, for the first time. The resultant film characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and magnetic force microscopy (MFM). The photo-electrochemical studies show that the current and open circuit potential moved to positive values under visible light. This explained by the fact that BiFeO3 film generates photo-induced electrons and produce photocurrent and photovoltage. Finally, as prepared thin film used for photocatalytic degradation of phenol in a photocatalytic reactor. The morphology has a significant role on the photocatalytic efficiency due to enhance light-harvesting feature and provide multi scattering centers. Forest-like film was included nano-branches with diameter of 100–150 nm that offer pathways to facilitate electron transfer to substrate. In photocatalytic studies, the effect of important parameters such as initial phenol concentration, addition of H2O2, and rotating speed investigated on the photocatalytic efficiency. The figure in left side illustrates the fabrication process of BFO film and the right side shows the SEM image of stainless steel mesh coated with BFO film. The forest like structure and the nanobranches of film were depicted in SEM images. In addition, the proposed mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of phenol was also shown in aquatic solution. [Display omitted] •For the first time, forest like BFO films synthesized by sol-electrophoretic deposition•A stainless steel mesh used as a substrate with appropriate features•Response of films to light exhibited by photoelectrochemical studies•Film applied for photocatalytic degradation of phenol as a resistance pollutant in aquatic solution•Unique morphology plays a key role in degradation due to its high light harvesting and multi scattering centers in the film.