Rosemary leaves extract mediated green synthesis of silver functionalized BiFeO3 nanoparticles with improved visible light photocatalytic performance

, promoting improved light absorption and charge separation. Under visible-light LED irradiation, Ag-BFO achieved 95% degradation of methylene blue dye within 120 min, compared to 75% for pristine BFO under identical conditions. Kinetic studies revealed a pseudo-first-order behavior with a higher rate constant for Ag-BFO. Scavenger experiments identified hydroxyl radicals (•OH) as the major reactive species. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to Ag-induced bandgap narrowing, increased surface area, and suppressed charge-carrier recombination. These findings demonstrate that rosemary-mediated green synthesis of Ag functionalized BFO as an effective strategy for developing high-performance photocatalysts for sustainable wastewater treatment.