Bismuth-Based Materials as Solar-Driven Photo(Electro)Catalysts for Environmental Remediation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Bismuth-based semiconductors are promising visible-light photocatalysts for environmental remediation.
• Their tunable electronic structures, moderate band gaps, and low toxicity contribute to their effectiveness.
• The Bi³⁺ 6s² lone pair and Bi-O hybridization enhance solar spectrum utilization and charge-carrier dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review advances in bismuth-based photo(electro)catalysts from 2015-2025.
• To focus on photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems for pollutant degradation.
• To analyze material design, synthesis, modification, and application.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of major material families (oxides, oxyhalides, etc.) and their structure-property-performance.
• Comparison of synthesis strategies (solid-state, sol-gel, hydro/solvothermal, etc.).
• Assessment of performance enhancement approaches (doping, heterojunctions).

Main Results:

• Bismuth materials exhibit favorable electronic and structural properties for PEC applications.
• Various synthesis methods allow control over morphology and electrode integration.
• Doping and heterojunction engineering significantly boost photocatalytic performance.

Conclusions:

• Bismuth-based photo(electro)catalysts show great potential for pollutant degradation.
• Further research is needed to address stability, scalability, and techno-economic challenges.
• Development of durable and application-ready PEC technologies is the future direction.