Synthesis, Characterization and Bandgap Evaluation of Bismuth Ferrite-Zinc Ferrite Nanocomposites prepared by Chemical Route

Abstract

AbstractChemical route was selected for synthesis of the nanocomposite material of perovskite bismuth ferriteinverse spinel zinc ferrite. Heat treatment for proper phase development was carried out at 500°C for 2, 3 and 4 h respectively. Crystalline peaks were identified from XRD analysis for both perovskite and inverse spinel phase. The crystallite size was calculated by Scherrer's formula. The extent of formation of perovskite was found to be more than that of spinel phase. Microstructures were obtained from FESEM (field emission electron microscope) analysis, which exhibited agglomeration tendency and granular particle shape. FTIR analysis was carried out to find out the molecular signature of the sample. HRTEM image was analyzed to obtain the d-values of the nanocomposite, which was found to be in line with the results of XRD phase identification, thus confirming successful synthesis. UV-Vis analysis was studied in the range of 200-700 cm in transmission mode. Using Tauc relation, αhν = B(hν-Eg)2, bandgap of heat treated samples at 500°C for 2, 3 and 4 h were evaluated to be around 2.93 eV. From bandgap calculation, it was concluded that the material might be suitable for photocatalytic application in visible range, opto-electronic devices having switching domain in visible range.Keywords: NanocompositeBismuth ferrite-Zinc ferritePerovskiteSpinelChemical-synthesisBandgap