Preparation of Bi2Fe4O9 particles by hydrothermal synthesis and functional properties

In the present study, particles with different Bi₂Fe₄O₉ micro/nanostructures with a few particular morphologies (flower-like nanoplatelets, hierarchical microstructures, perfectly square platelets single crystals, etc.) obtained under specific hydrothermal synthesis conditions were investigated. The role of the processing parameters (such as NaOH concentration, reaction temperature, and reaction duration time) on the phase formation mechanism and on the microstructural characteristics was investigated. All the Bi₂Fe₄O₉ morphologies showed orthorhombic symmetry with space group Pbam. The photocatalytic properties and magnetic behavior as a function of the micro/nanostructural characteristics of various Bi₂Fe₄O₉ powders were determined. In the presence of Bi₂Fe₄O₉, a degradation rate of Rose Bengal in the range of 52–61% was determined after 180?min under UV light irradiation (λ?=?254?nm). Magnetic activity with antiferromagnetic behavior and a transition at ～240?K slightly dependent on the microstructures was found. The role of Bi₂Fe₄O₉ microstructures in the photocatalytic activity and magnetic properties was discussed.