Structural and functional enhancements in BiFeO3nanorods: the effect of Nd3+doping on R3c–Pnma phase transition, magnetism, and photocatalysis

Abstract

BiFeO<inf>3</inf> and Nd3+-doped BiFeO<inf>3</inf> nanorods were successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal method. Characterization revealed that Nd3+-doping induced a structural transformation from a rhombohedral (R3c) to an orthorhombic (Pnma) phase. The decrease in Raman modes further confirms the structural changes. These structural changes, along with the nanoscale dimensions (around 50 nm diameter), significantly enhanced both the photocatalytic activity and magnetic properties of the Nd3+-doped BiFeO<inf>3</inf> nanorods. XPS analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of Nd3+ into BiFeO<inf>3</inf> and revealed the presence of Fe2+ ions. In addition, UV-Vis spectroscopy showed that the material has excellent visible light absorption, which is slightly red-shifted as a result of doping. We observed greater ferromagnetism in Nd3+–BiFeO<inf>3</inf>, which we attribute to a structural change that breaks down its antiferromagnetic spin cycloid ordering. The improved photocatalytic performance of the Nd3+–BiFeO<inf>3</inf> nanorods is attributed to the band bending process and more efficient electron–hole (e−–h+) separation, suggesting their potential for degrading organic pollutants. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025