Recent advances in bismuth-based heterojunction photocatalysts

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Photocatalysis

Background:

• Layered bismuth-based (LBB) nanoparticles possess unique crystal structures enabling control over defects, band topology, and morphology.
• Hybridization of Bi 6s and O 2p orbitals reduces the band gap, improving light absorption and charge carrier mobility.
• LBB nanoparticles are effective photocatalysts for pollution remediation, CO2 reduction, N2 fixation, H2 production, and O2 evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements, challenges, and prospects of LBB photocatalysts.
• To highlight the potential of LBB materials in addressing global environmental and energy challenges.
• To emphasize the need for further research to optimize LBB photocatalyst performance for commercial applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on LBB photocatalyst synthesis, characterization, and modification.
• Analysis of the structure-performance relationship in LBB materials.
• Evaluation of LBB photocatalysts in various environmental applications.

Main Results:

• LBB nanoparticles demonstrate significant potential in diverse photocatalytic applications.
• The unique crystal structure of LBB materials is key to their enhanced photoactivity.
• Optimizing synthesis and modification strategies is crucial for improving photoactivity.

Conclusions:

• LBB photocatalysts are promising for sustainable energy and environmental solutions.
• Further research is needed to meet industrial standards for commercialization.
• Understanding the crystal structure-performance interplay is vital for maximizing LBB capabilities.