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Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3, BFO) is one of the few single-phase crystalline compounds exhibiting strong multiferroic properties at room temperature, which makes it promising for use in various fields of science and technology. The remarkable characteristics of BFO at the nanoscale position it as a compelling candidate for enhancing the functionalities of polymeric nanocomposite materials. In this study, we explore the fabrication of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanocomposites with a variable content of BFO nanopowders (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt%) by solution casting in the form of thin films with the thickness of ~60 µm. Our findings reveal that the presence of BFO nanoparticles slightly facilitates the formation of β- and γ-phases of PVDF, known for their enhanced piezoelectric properties, thereby potentially expanding the utility of PVDF-based materials in sensors, actuators, and energy harvesting devices. On the other hand, the increase in filler concentration leads to enlarged spherulite diameter and porosity of PVDF, as well as an increase in filler content above 20 wt% resulting in a decrease in the degree of crystallinity. The structural changes in the surface were found to increase the hydrophobicity of the nanocomposite surface. Magnetometry indicates that the magnetic properties of nanocomposite are influenced by the BFO nanoparticle content with the saturation magnetization at ~295 K ranging from ~0.08 emu/g to ~0.8 emu/g for samples with the lowest and higher BFO content, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports an approach of highly active sonophotocatalysts through the combined Zn-doping and heterojunction of CoFe2O4/α-Fe2O3 heterostructures. The novelty lies in the combined Zn-doping and α-Fe2O3 coupling strategy to tune the electronic structure and enhance charge separation of spinel-based magnetic nanocatalyst. A sol–gel auto-combustion method was used to synthesize Zn0.3Co0.7Fe2O4 nanoparticles with ~12% α-Fe2O3 content. The Zn-doping increased the magnetization saturation from ~65 to 86 emu/g and narrowed the optical bandgap from ~1.48 to 1.62 eV compared to undoped CoFe2O4, indicating a modified electronic structure. Under sonophotocatalysis, near complete methylene blue decomposition was achieved in 45 min for both catalysts, with a 30% synergistic effect observed. The Zn-doping also activated the semiconductor photocatalysis mechanism. The combined Zn-doping and heterojunction approach enables highly active sonophotocatalysts to effectively degrade dye pollutants and mitigate water pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]