Surfactant Effects on Structural, Magnetic, and Photocatalysis Performance of PrFeO ₃ Nanomaterials

ABSTRACT Here, we are reporting the comparative results of PrFeO 3 (PFO) nanomaterials obtained from the sol–gel method by using Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a surfactant (sample name abbreviated as PFO‐PVP) and without surfactant (sample name abbreviated as PFO). The use of PVP as a polymeric surfactant is vital in boosting both magnetic functionality and photocatalytic efficiency. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the single‐phase orthorhombic crystal structure of PFO nanomaterials, while Raman spectra verified Fe–O–Fe and Pr–O–Fe lattice vibrations in both samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that PFO samples were highly agglomerated with irregular grains, whereas PFO‐PVP displayed sheet‐like morphology with reduced agglomeration. PFO‐PVP nanomaterials exhibited ∼4 times larger surface area than that of PFO nanomaterials, which is essential in photocatalysis applications. Correspondingly, PFO‐PVP achieved nearly ∼2 times higher saturation magnetization (Ms) value and photocatalytic rate constant compared to PFO, underscoring the role of morphology in enhancing functional properties. These findings collectively highlight the strong correlation between material processing, morphological control, and the resulting improvements in the structural, magnetic, and photocatalytic properties of PFO nanomaterials. High magnetization values, higher surface area, and high rate constant of PFO‐PVP nanomaterial could be a potential candidate for wastewater treatment and other related applications.