Energy band gap tuning of Ba₁˗ₓZnₓFe₁₂‐yCrʏO₁₉ doped with Cr and Zn ions to enhance the optical, dielectric, ferroelectric, and photocatalytic properties

• Published in: Optical materials 2022-03, Vol.125, p.112090, Article 112090
• Main Authors: Nazeer, Zarish, Bibi, Ismat, Majid, Farzana, Kamal, Shagufta, Ibrahim, Sobhy M., Iqbal, Munawar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Barium hexaferrite; Dielectric properties; Doping; Micro-emulsion; Photocatalysis; Solar light
• ISSN: 0925-3467; 1873-1252
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2022.112090

In the current investigation, the fabrication of chromium (Cr) and zinc (Zn) doped barium hexaferrite nanoparticles (Ba₁˗ₓZnₓFe₁₂‐yCrʏO₁₉ NPs) using facile microemulsion route was undertaken. The impact of Cr and Zn doping on photocatalytic, structural, ferroelectric and dielectric properties was investigated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the formation of hexagonal ferrite structure of Ba₁˗ₓZnₓFe₁₂‐yCrʏO₁₉ NPs. The size of the NPs was in the range of 17–26 nm with tendency to form aggregates. The band gap of barium hexaferrite was increased with doping contents due to difference in ionic radii of dopants. The polarization-electric (P-E) field loops confirmed the ferroelectric behavior of synthesized Ba₁˗ₓZnₓFe₁₂‐yCrʏO₁₉ NPs. The photocatalytic activity (PCA) of Ba₁˗ₓZnₓFe₁₂‐yCrʏO₁₉ NPs was evaluated for Rhodamine B (RhB) dye removal under solar light irradiation and up to 81.8% dye degradation was observed within 90 min of irradiation. Results revealed that catalytic, ferroelectric and dielectric properties of barium hexaferrite can be enhanced with Cr and Zn doping for different applications. [Display omitted] •Cr and Zn doped barium hexaferrite was fabricated by micro-emulsion method.•The optical, dielectric, ferroelectric, and photocatalytic properties were affected significantly by doping.•Photocatalytic activity was evaluated under solar light irradiation.•The Ba₁˗ₓZnₓFe₁₂‐yCrʏO₁₉ has potential for catalytic application under sunlight irradiation.