A new application field for BaFe₁₂O₁₉ used as visible light photocatalyst

ABSTRACT

Our human being firmly believed the existing materials possessed a wider utilisation range. It was very interesting therefore that finding new application for some outdated materials. Here, the semiconductor characteristics of an old ferrite, BaFe₁₂O₁₉ were explicated based on its optical properties. The direct bandgap energy was determined as 1.55 eV. The outstanding photocatalytic performance of BaFe₁₂O₁₉ was confirmed by Rhodamine B (RhB) photodegradation under visible light. The RhB solution could be totally photodegraded using BaFe₁₂O₁₉ powder after 3 h photocatalytic reaction. We hope this work can extend application field for BaFe₁₂O₁₉, and stimulate enthusiasm for continuous study these traditional ferrites, such as, BaFe₁₂O₁₉, SrFe₁₂O₁₉, and ZnFe₂O₄. And we sincerely hope that the concept about new application of old materials can be extensively spread and applied.

KEYWORDS:

• BaFe₁₂O₁₉
• magnetic semiconductor
• photodegradation
• environmental application

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dr Dezhao Lan for his supporting with partial experimental operation.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.