Structural, magnetic and optical characterization of BiFe1-xCrxO3 (x = 0.0, 3.3, 6.6 and 10 %) nanoparticles

In this study, BiFe1-xCrxO3 (x = 0.0, 3.3, 6.6 and 10 %) nanoparticles were synthesized using a modified sol-gel route, which produces nanostructured materials with high purity and homogeneity, as well as the ability to modify the size and shape of the resultant particles. In-depth analyses of the samples' optical, magnetic, elemental and structural characteristics were carried out. X-ray diffraction (XRD) experimental data indicate that BiFe1-xCrxO3 nanomaterials exhibit a deformed perovskite structure with rhombohedral symmetry and an R3c space group. All samples displayed ferromagnetic behavior due to the disruption of spiral spin structures and alterations in superexchange interactions, linked to the bond length of Fe-O and Fe-O-Fe. The optical band gap energy values of BiFe1-xCrxO3 materials are found from 2.56 eV to 2.82 eV based on Cr content in the main lattice. Controlling the optical band gap through Cr-substitution in BFO nanostructures can make them suitable for solar applications.