Photocatalytic Enhancement Strategy with the Introduction of Metallic Bi: A Review on Bi/Semiconductor Photocatalysts

Abstract

Semiconductor photocatalysis has great potential in the fields of solar fuel production and environmental remediation. Nevertheless, the photocatalytic efficiency still constrains its practical production applications. The development of new semiconductor materials is essential to enhance the solar energy conversion efficiency of photocatalytic systems. Recently, the research on enhancing the photocatalytic performance of semiconductors by introducing bismuth (Bi) has attracted widespread attention. In this review, we briefly overview the main synthesis methods of Bi/semiconductor photocatalysts and summarize the control of the micromorphology of Bi in Bi/semiconductors and the key role of Bi in the catalytic system. In addition, the promising applications of Bi/semiconductors in photocatalysis, such as pollutant degradation, sterilization, water separation, CO2 reduction, and N2 fixation, are outlined. Finally, an outlook on the challenges and future research directions of Bi/semiconductor photocatalysts is given. We aim to offer guidance for the rational design and synthesis of high‐efficiency Bi/semiconductor photocatalysts for energy and environmental applications.

Photocatalytic Decomposition of Rhodamine B and Selective Oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural by β-Bi2O3/Bi12SiO20 Nanocomposites Produced by Laser

“…A conventional semiconductor particle has a number of disadvantages related to the insufficient separation and rapid recombination of charge carriers, as well as to its limited spectral range [14,15]. An effective way to overcome them and improve the photocatalytic properties of the material is to create heterostructures [16][17][18]. Several types of heterostructures can be distinguished, depending on their bandgap width, energy band positions, the relationship between the semiconductors forming the heterostructure, as well as the migration and relaxation paths of the electron-hole pairs [19].…”