Recent progress in Bi2WO6‐Based photocatalysts for clean energy and environmental remediation: Competitiveness, challenges, and future perspectives

Abstract

Abstract The efficient utilization of photocatalytic technology is essential for clean energy and environmental remediation. Bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6), an appealing Aurivillius phase perovskite, has arisen widespread attention as a visible light responsive photocatalyst applied in environment due to its low cost, nontoxicity, modifiable morphology, and outstanding optical and chemical properties. Nevertheless, the photocatalytic activity of pure Bi2WO6 is unsatisfactory because of its relative small specific surface area, poor quantum yield, and the rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers. Therefore, many strategies, namely, morphological control, dopant or defect introduction, metal deposition, semiconductor combination and surface modification by carbon‐based materials with conjugated π‐structures, have been systematically studied to enhance the photocatalytic performance of Bi2WO6 in the past few years. In order to better explore and study the application of bismuth‐based perovskite oxides in the field of photocatalysis, this review summarizes the recent research progress on Bi2WO6‐based photocatalysts. Moreover, in terms of the improved photocatalytic activity of Bi2WO6‐based photocatalysts, three main applications, including water splitting, pollutants removal, and CO2 reduction, are introduced in detail and critically reviewed. Eventually, the prospects, opportunities, and challenges of Bi2WO6‐based photocatalysts are pointed out. This comprehensive review is expected to put forward valuable suggestions for designing of Bi2WO6‐based photocatalysts applied in clean energy production and environmental remediation on the premise of consolidating the existing theoretical basis of photocatalysis.

Keywords

• applications
• Bi2WO6
• clean energy and environmental remediation
• photocatalytic
• strategies