Microstructural Regulation and Optical Performance of Bismuth Ferrite Nanowires by Precipitant

Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO₃, short for BFO) is a single-phase and multi-ferrous material with ferroelectricity and weak ferromagnetism at room temperature. One-dimensional nanomaterials have specific physical properties due to anisotropy and unique size effects. In this paper, bismuth ferrite nanowires were prepared by hydrothermal method. The effects of precipitant (NH₃·H₂O, NaOH) on the microstructures of bismuth ferrite nanowires were studied. The results show that NaOH is a precipitant to promote the formation of nanowires, and the single crystal nanowires can be obtained using NaOH precipitation agent. The nanowires are arranged in the same direction. The diameter is less than 45 nm and the length changes from several tens nm to several microns. The absorption of nanowires is stronger than that of nanoparticles at wavelength of 230–400 nm.