Structural and optical properties of Ce doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles via sol–gel method

Abstract

The effect of Ce doping on the structural and optical properties of BiFeO3 nanoparticles via sol–gel method is reported. All samples were a pure phase with perovskite structure. The EDX results show the doped samples contain Bi, Fe, O and Ce elements. The vibrational properties of samples were studied using Raman spectroscopy. Photoluminescence shows an intense peak at 398 nm, the peak strength enhanced greatly and had redshift with the increase of Ce doping concentration. UV–vis results show the samples have a broad absorption band in the range of 500–600 nm. The bandgaps decrease with the concentration increase of Ce doping. It indicates the as-prepared BiFeO3 can be used as visible light catalyst.