Bi-based visible light-driven nano-photocatalyst: the design, synthesis, and its application in pollutant governance and energy development

Environment and energy are the two most important aspects of human health and development. With hazardous materials being continuously produced by anthropogenic involvements, our living surroundings are becoming increasingly polluted and pose significant health risks. Meanwhile, the shortage of energy is becoming prominent with industrial development. The search for green and effective methods for environmental and energy governance has received widespread attention, particularly the exploration of the conversion and application of solar energy in advanced materials. Bismuth (Bi)-based nanomaterials have strong potential in environmental governance and clean energy generation due to their desirable characteristics and unique structure that effectively responds to visible light. Many factors such as composition, crystal structure, and surface fabrication can influence photocatalytic performance and their application in pollutant removal and energy generation. Here, we reviewed and compared a series of design strategies of visible light-responsive Bi-based photocatalyst, synthesis methods, and their applications in organic synthesis, air purification, pollutant degradation, carbon dioxide reduction, and water decomposition. This work may shed light on designing more environment-friendly and effective Bi-based materials and approaches to be applied in site remediation and energy generation.