Bismuth-based Z-scheme structure for photocatalytic CO2 reduction: A review

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into hydrocarbon fuels, utilizing inexhaustible solar energy to simulate natural photosynthesis, is a promising approach to simultaneously alleviate environmental issues and energy crises. Among the developed photocatalysts, bismuth (Bi)-based materials have been extensively applied for photo -catalytic CO2 reduction due to their unique electronic configuration and excellent physicochemical properties. Various approaches have been investigated to enhance the photocatalytic performance of Bi-based photocatalysts for CO2 reduction, among which constructing direct or indirect Z-scheme by coupling Bi-based materials with matching semiconductors is an effective method. In this review, the latest major advancements in the design of high-efficient Bi-based Z-scheme photocatalysts for photocatalytic CO2 reduction are summarized, including structural engineering strategies for direct Z-scheme and several patterns of indirect Z-scheme construction. Moreover, the proposed S-scheme structure based on the Z-scheme structure is also briefly discussed. Finally, the current challenges and prospects of the future development of the Bi-based Z-scheme structure for CO2 photo -reduction are also presented and discussed.

Automated summary

The reduction of CO2 into hydrocarbon fuels using photocatalysis is a promising approach to address environmental issues and energy crises. Bismuth-based materials have been extensively studied for their unique electronic configuration and excellent physicochemical properties. This review summarizes the recent advancements in the design of efficient Bi-based photocatalysts for CO2 reduction, including direct and indirect Z-scheme constructions. The challenges and prospects for the future development of Bi-based Z-scheme photocatalysts are also discussed.