Facile synthesis of Er-doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles for enhanced visible light photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride

Effective Er doping into BiFeO3 (BFO) nanoparticles was obtained by a facile sol–gel route. The optical absorption properties of BFO nanoparticles was improved by Er doping. Er-doped BFO nanoparticles showed superior photocatalytic activities for TC removal. The possible photocatalytic mechanism of Er-doped BFO nanoparticles was discussed.