Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of BiFeO 3 and Bi/BiFeO 3 cubic microcrystals

Abstract BiFeO 3 and Bi/BiFeO 3 cubic microcrystals were synthesized in this work. The phase, microstructure, optical and photo electrochemical properties, as well as the photocatalytic activities in photocatalytic hydrogen generation were investigated. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results demonstrate the successful synthesis of BiFeO 3 and Bi/BiFeO 3 . The scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) results give the evidence of cubic morphology and the deposition of metal Bi on the surface of BiFeO 3 . The absorption spectra show that Bi/BiFeO 3 has longer absorption edge and stronger absorption capability to visible light. The photocurrent curves, emission spectra, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) spectra demonstrate that Bi/BiFeO 3 has higher efficiency of electron‐hole separation and charge transfer, as well as longer lifetime of the charge carriers. These benefit to the enhancement of activity in photocatalytic hydrogen generation.