Synthesis of pure phase BiFeO3 powders in molten alkali metal nitrates

Pure phase BiFeO3 powders were successfully synthesized in molten alkali metal nitrates (KNO3–NaNO3) at 500 °C. The as-prepared BiFeO3 had a rhombohedral structure which was studied using X-ray diffraction. The plate-like morphologies were investigated through scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The average length and width of BiFeO3 plates were 400 and 200 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the mechanism of formation of BiFeO3 was also discussed through X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis and mass spectrometry.