The performance of bismuth-based compounds in photocatalytic applications

The success of photocatalysis in different applications majorly depends on the efficiency or activity of the catalysts used in the visible light region. Although, several photocatalysts have been reported to be efficient in various photocatalytic applications, bismuth-based chalcogenides are one of the compounds with unique performance. This is because they possess band gap energies that allow them to absorb radiation in the visible light region of the solar spectrum. They are non-toxic, photostable, photoactive, re-usable, and are chemically or biologically inert. The preparation of bismuth-based chalcogenides involves the incorporation of oxides, sulphides, selenides and tellurides onto the bismuth compound in order to develop different photocatalysts. The various synthesis procedure for bismuth containing compounds are discussed extensively. Both the chemical and physical properties of these photocatalysts, with their possible morphological forms are highlighted. Furthermore, the challenges associated with their synthesis and photocatalytic applications are discussed, in addition to their respective mechanisms of action.

Automated summary

The success of photocatalysis in different applications is highly dependent on the efficiency of the catalysts used in the visible light region. Bismuth-based chalcogenides have unique performance due to their ability to absorb radiation in the visible light region and being non-toxic, photostable, photoactive, re-usable, and inert. Various synthesis procedures and challenges in their synthesis and photocatalytic applications, along with their mechanisms of action, are discussed extensively.