Optical and Photocatalytic Properties of Pr- doped Bismuth Ferrite Nanoparticles

Abstract

Abstract In this study, we investigate the effect of Praseodymium (Pr) doping on the photo catalytic activity of BiFeO₃ nanoparticles. Pr-doped Bi FeO₃ samples were synthesized via the sol-gel method using propylene glycol as a complexing agent. The thermal stability and optical properties were analysed using thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, respectively. The photocatalytic activity was assessed through the photodegradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. Among the synthesized samples, Bi₀.₉₅Pr₀.₀₅FeO₃ exhibited significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance. This improvement can be attributed to its superior visible light absorption and more efficient charge separation and transfer processes.