Solar-Driven Hydrogen Peroxide Production via BiVO₄-Based Photocatalysts

Solar hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production has garnered increased research interest owing to its safety, cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and sustainability. The synthesis of H₂O₂ relies mainly on renewable resources such as water, oxygen, and solar energy, resulting in minimal waste. Bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) stands out among various oxide semiconductors for selective H₂O₂ production under visible light via direct two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and two-electron water oxidation reaction (WOR) pathways. Significant advancements have been achieved using BiVO₄-based materials in solar H₂O₂ production over the last decade. This review explores advancements in BiVO₄-based photocatalysts for H₂O₂ production, focusing on photocatalytic powder suspension (PS) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems, representing the main approaches for heterogenous artificial photosynthesis. An overview of fundamental principles, performance assessment methodologies, photocatalyst and photoelectrode development, and optimization of reaction conditions is provided. While diverse strategies, such as heterojunction, doping, crystal facet engineering, cocatalyst loading, and surface passivation, have proven effective in enhancing H₂O₂ generation, this review offers insights into their similar and distinct implementations within the PS and PEC systems. The challenges and future prospects in this field are also discussed to facilitate the rational design of high-performing BiVO₄-based photocatalysts and photoelectrodes for H₂O₂ generation under visible light.