Recent progress in BiVO4-based heterojunction nanomaterials for photocatalytic applications

As an innovative kind of semiconductor photocatalytic material, bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) has become one of the hot research materials since its narrow band gap, good visible light response, non-toxic and other advantages. However, the photocatalytic properties of BiVO4 are unsatisfactory because of the inherent limitation of poor photogenerated charge transport ability, sluggish water oxidation kinetics, and fast recombination of photo -generated electron-hole pairs. Constructing heterojunctions is a successful strategy for enhancing charge sepa-ration and slowing down the rate of recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, which has been investigated over the past decades. In this review, the current progress of BiVO4-based heterojunction nano -materials in the field of photocatalysis is reviewed, especially in the design of heterojunction, reaction mecha-nisms and key challenges of BiVO4-based heterojunction nanomaterials are summarized in photocatalytic water splitting, organic matter degradation, CO2 reduction, heavy metal ion reduction. Finally, the development di-rection and prospect of BiVO4-based heterojunction nanomaterials are prospected.

Automated summary

As an innovative semiconductor photocatalytic material, bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) has gained attention due to its narrow band gap, visible light response, and non-toxicity. However, the photocatalytic properties of BiVO4 are hindered by poor charge transport ability, slow water oxidation kinetics, and fast recombination of electron-hole pairs. This review summarizes the progress in designing heterojunction nano-materials based on BiVO4 for photocatalytic applications, including water splitting, organic matter degradation, CO2 reduction, and heavy metal ion reduction. Future development and prospects of BiVO4-based heterojunction nano-materials are also discussed.