Recent progress in emerging BiPO4-based photocatalysts: Synthesis, properties, modification strategies, and photocatalytic applications

In this perspective, we have highlighted the current literature and explained the synthesis, structure, morphology, modification strategies, and photocatalytic applications of emerging BiPO4-based photocatalysts. Since BiPO4 is a large bandgap photocatalyst, it uses UV light for the excitation of electrons, and also, the recombination of charge carriers is an issue in BiPO4. Various novel modification strategies of BiPO4 photocatalysts viz. defect modifications, heterojunction formation, phase-junctions, surface plasmon resonance, Schottky junction have been successfully proposed and highlighted. These modifications enhance the light absorption and inhibit the recombination of charge carriers BiPO4 photocatalyst. Finally, future aspects for further research on BiPO4-based photocatalysts are also explored. It expects that BiPO4-based photocatalysts represent a promising strategy for developing practical photocatalysts for energy and environmental remediation applications.