Ferrite bismuth-based nanomaterials: From ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties to nanomedicine applications.

Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO), a perovskite-type oxide, possesses unique morphology and multiferroicity, rendering it highly versatile for various applications. Recent investigations have demonstrated that BiFeO exhibits enhanced Fenton-like and photocatalytic behaviors, coupled with its piezoelectric/ferroelectric properties. BiFeO can catalytically generate highly oxidative reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to hydrogen peroxide or light irradiation. Consequently, bismuth ferrite-based nanomaterials have emerged as promising candidates for various biomedical applications. However, the precise fabrication of BiFeO-based materials with controllable features and applications in diverse biomedical scenarios remains a formidable challenge. In this review, we initially summarize the Fenton reaction property, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties of BiFeO. We further survey the current methodologies for synthesizing BiFeO nanomaterials with diverse morphologies. Subsequently, we explore the effects of element doping and heterojunction formation on enhancing the photocatalytic activity of BiFeO, focusing on microstructural, electronic band structure, and modification approaches. Additionally, we provide an overview of the recent advancements of BiFeO-based nanomaterials in biomedicine. Finally, we discuss the prevailing obstacles and prospects of BiFeO for biomedical applications, offering valuable insights and recommendations for forthcoming research endeavors.