Photocatalytic Applications of Bismuth-Based Materials

Bismuth-based semiconductors, notably bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) and related compounds, have emerged as leading visible-light-active photocatalysts owing to their suitable band gaps, chemical robustness and earth-abundant composition. These materials drive redox reactions under irradiation to split water, degrade organic pollutants and mineralise pesticides, thereby contributing to solar-fuel generation and environmental purification. Strategies to enhance performance include band-edge engineering through doping or oxygen vacancies, morphological control of crystal facets and the design of heterojunction composites with co-catalysts such as metal oxides or carbonaceous supports. These approaches promote efficient charge-carrier separation, extend light absorption into the visible spectrum and increase active surface area. Advances in theoretical modelling and spectroscopic characterisation have elucidated charge-transfer pathways and radical generation mechanisms, guiding the rational design of high-efficiency photocatalysts. The global significance of this research is underscored by its potential to deliver sustainable water-treatment technologies and renewable energy solutions.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated that integrating bismuth vanadate with reduced graphene oxide sheets markedly improves photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes under visible light by facilitating π-electron–mediated charge separation and boosting surface adsorption. Similarly, modification of BiVO4 with an ultrathin amorphous iron oxyhydroxide shell enhances water-oxidation activity, where interfacial interactions yield faster photogenerated charge migration and stronger light harvesting, leading to elevated oxygen evolution rates. In addition, facet-engineered monoclinic scheelite BiVO4 synthesised via a template-free solvothermal route exhibits high-index (040) surface facets, which promote dye decomposition and reduce toxicity in treated effluents while maintaining structural stability over multiple cycles.

Photocatalytic Applications of Bismuth-Based Materials publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in photocatalytic applications of bismuth-based materials across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Photocatalysis: Light-driven catalytic process whereby a semiconductor absorbs photons to generate charge carriers that drive redox reactions.

Band gap: Energy difference between the valence band and conduction band of a semiconductor determining its light-absorption threshold.

Heterojunction: Interface formed between two semiconductors with differing band structures that facilitates directional charge separation.

Charge carrier separation: Process by which photogenerated electrons and holes are spatially or energetically separated to prevent recombination and enable surface reactions.

Facet: Specific crystallographic surface of a semiconductor particle influencing adsorption, light absorption and catalytic activity.

References

1. Structural and electronic properties of oxygen defective and Se-doped p-type BiVO4(001) thin film for the applications of photocatalysis. Applied Catalysis B Environment and Energy (2018).
2. Evaluating the photocatalytic efficiency of the BiVO4/rGO photocatalyst. Scientific Reports (2019).
3. Solvothermal synthesis of facet-dependent BiVO4 photocatalyst with enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutant: assessment of toxicity by zebrafish embryo. Scientific Reports (2020).
4. Visible Light-Assisted Photocatalysis Using Spherical-Shaped BiVO4 Photocatalyst. Catalysts (2021).
5. Facile synthesis of visible-light-driven Cu 2 O/BiVO 4 composites for the photomineralization of recalcitrant pesticides. RSC Advances (2017).
6. The improvement of photocatalysis O2 production over BiVO4 with amorphous FeOOH shell modification. Scientific Reports (2019).