Structural, Morphological, Optical, and Electrical Properties of Sol–Gel Synthesized Bismuth Ferrite Nanoparticles for Photovoltaic Applications

Year : 2026 | Volume : 16 | Issue : 02 | Page : 28 41
By

Samiul Islam,

Fabliha Sadat Deen,

Maeesha Ryaan,

Sikdar Takibul Islam,

Naime Sarkar,

M.M. Rhaman,

  1. Research Assistant, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
  2. Graduate Research Scholar, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
  3. Graduate Research Scholar, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
  4. Graduate Research Scholar, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
  5. Graduate Research Scholar, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
  6. Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Solar cells are a promising renewable energy source, converting solar energy into electrical power. The performance and efficiency of solar cells can be enhanced by incorporating multiferroic materials, which have the potential to improve energy conversion. Bismuth ferrite (BFO) is one such material that has attracted attention for photovoltaic applications due to its bandgap energy, which ranges from 2 eV to 2.7 eV. However, its practical efficiency is currently low (less than 2%), limiting its commercial viability. Nevertheless, BFO remains a promising candidate for photovoltaic applications, provided that its properties are optimized. In this study, BFO nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol–gel method, a widely used technique for preparing high-quality nanomaterials. The crystal structure of the synthesized BFO nanoparticles was analyzed using x-ray diffraction (XRD), which revealed a well-defined crystalline structure typical of BFO. The grain morphology of the nanoparticles was examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), providing insights into the particle size and shape. The synthesis process was optimized, and symmetrical-shaped particles were obtained at a calcination temperature of 600°C. The bandgap energy of the BFO nanoparticles was determined to be 2.00 eV for the indirect transition and 2.04 eV for the direct transition, which is suitable for photovoltaic applications. These results indicate that BFO nanoparticles have the potential to be utilized in solar cells, and with further optimization, their efficiency could be improved. This work contributes to the understanding of BFO’s structural and optical properties and highlights its potential for use in future photovoltaic devices.

Keywords: Bismuth ferrite nanoparticles, sol–gel synthesis, x-ray diffraction, bandgap energy, photovoltaic materials

[This article belongs to Journal of Materials & Metallurgical Engineering ]

How to cite this article: Samiul Islam, Fabliha Sadat Deen, Maeesha Ryaan, Sikdar Takibul Islam, Naime Sarkar, M.M. Rhaman. Structural, Morphological, Optical, and Electrical Properties of Sol–Gel Synthesized Bismuth Ferrite Nanoparticles for Photovoltaic Applications. Journal of Materials & Metallurgical Engineering. 2026; 16(02):28-41.
How to cite this URL: Samiul Islam, Fabliha Sadat Deen, Maeesha Ryaan, Sikdar Takibul Islam, Naime Sarkar, M.M. Rhaman. Structural, Morphological, Optical, and Electrical Properties of Sol–Gel Synthesized Bismuth Ferrite Nanoparticles for Photovoltaic Applications. Journal of Materials & Metallurgical Engineering. 2026; 16(02):28-41. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jomme/article=2026/view=256791

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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 16
Issue 02
Received 18/05/2026
Accepted 25/05/2026
Published 22/06/2026
Publication Time 35 Days

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