Nanostructured Metal Chalcohalide Photocatalysts: Crystal Structures, Synthesis, and Applications

Nanocrystals of all-inorganic metal chalcohalides having a combination of chalcogen and halogen anions with appropriate crystal structure and bandgap can be ideal semiconductors in comparison to the well-established multicomponent family of nanostructures. These materials are one of the overlooked semiconductors which could play a paramount role in photocatalysis due to their stability, low-dimensional (1D) structure, and suitable bandgaps with efficient light-responsive nature. Emphasizing these materials, in this Review, recent developments in the design and application of different chalcohalide nanostructures are reported. The initial part is focused on the syntheses and crystal structures of reported chalcohalide materials, followed by an overview of their photocatalytic applications in different aspects. Finally, the successes and challenges associated with the future progress using these materials are discussed. This Review will provide an extended understanding and offer a preferred direction for the innovative design of these materials for environmental and especially energy-based applications.