A critical review on modulation of NiMoO₄-based materials for photocatalytic applications

Semiconductor photocatalysis has been widely utilized to solve the problems of energy shortage and environmental pollution. Among the explored photocatalysts, nickel molybdate (NiMoO₄) has revealed many advantages for photocatalytic applications, which include visible light absorption, low cost, environment-friendly, large surface area, good electrical conductivities, and tailorable band structure. However, the recombination of photogenerated carriers, which diminishes photocatalytic efficiency, has been held as a major hurdle to the widespread application of this material. To overcome this limitation, various surface modulations such as morphology control, doping of heteroatom, deposition of noble metal nanoparticles, and fabrication of composite structures have been explored in many published studies. This article comprehensively reviews the recent progress in the modulations of NiMoO₄-based materials to improve the photocatalytic efficiency. The enhanced photocatalytic capabilities of NiMoO₄-based materials are reviewed in terms of such applications as pollutant removal, disinfection of bacteria, and water splitting. The current challenges and possible future direction of research in this field are also highlighted. This comprehensive review is expected to advance the design of highly efficient NiMoO₄-based materials for photocatalytic applications.