Recent advances in bismuth-based photocatalysts: Environment and energy applications

Photocatalysis is an effective way to solve the problems of environmental pollution and energy shortage. Numerous photocatalysts have been developed and various strategies have been proposed to improve the photocatalytic performance. Among them, Bi-based photocatalysts have become one of the most popular research topics due to their suitable band gaps, unique layered structures, and physicochemical properties. In this review, Bi-based photocatalysts (BiOX, BiVO4, Bi2S3, Bi2MoO6, and other Bi-based photocatalysts) have been summarized in the field of photocatalysis, including their applications of the removal of organic pollutants, hydrogen production, oxygen production etc. The preparation strategies on how to improve the photocatalytic performance and the possible photocatalytic mechanism are also summarized, which could supply new insights for fabricating high-efficient Bi-based photocatalysts. Finally, we summarize the current challenges and make a reasonable outlook on the future development direction of Bi-based photocatalysts.