Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange Dye Using Nanostructured Mg–Doped Bismuth Ferrite Synthesized via Microwave Method

Nanostructured multiferroic materials have garnered significant attention for their potential in environmental remediation. Among these, bismuth ferrite (BiFeO₃) stands out due to its unique coexistence of ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic properties at room temperature. However, its practical applications are often hindered by its spiral spin structure and weak ferromagnetic ordering. In this study, magnesium-doped bismuth ferrite (BMO) nanoparticles were synthesized via a facile microwave-assisted method. Magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) were substituted for bismuth ions (Bi³⁺) in the perovskite structure to enhance the material's magnetic and photocatalytic properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the rhombohedral structure of BMO with reduced crystallite size (22.49 nm) due to lattice contraction caused by Mg doping. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a uniform distribution of fine particles with reduced grain size, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the functional groups and chemical bonds in the nanoparticles. UV-Vis spectroscopy indicated a significant reduction in band gap energy, enhancing light absorption. Photocatalytic studies demonstrated superior degradation efficiency of methyl orange dye under visible light irradiation, highlighting the role of Mg doping in improving charge separation and reducing recombination rates. These findings underscore the potential of Mg-doped BFO nanoparticles as effective photocatalysts for wastewater treatment, contributing to sustainable environmental management.