Recent advances in BiOX (X = Cl, Br and I) photocatalysts: synthesis, modification, facet effects and mechanisms

Photocatalysis technology, using semiconductor nano-materials to decompose toxic pollutants under solar light irradiation, displays great prospects for environmental protection. This review gives an overview of the applications of BiOX (X = Cl, Br and I) photocatalysts for efficient photocatalytic degradation (PCD) removal of pollutants in water/air, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), organic molecule pollutants, polymer pollutants and biological substances. In addition, the hybridization, facet effects and photocatalytic mechanisms of BiOX are highlighted to offer guidelines for designing highly-active BiOX visible-light-driven (VLD) photocatalysts. Furthermore, the research trends and future prospects of BiOX photocatalysts are also briefly summarized. It may lead to feasible green and efficient photocatalytic reaction systems using BiOX as the photocatalyst.