Bismuth/Porous Graphene Heterostructures for Ultrasensitive Detection of Cd (II)

A review on bismuth-based materials for the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants

Modernized lifestyle and increased industrialization threaten living organisms because of the pollutants released from industries and household wastes. The presence of even small amounts of pollutants (organic pollutants (OPs) and inorganic pollutants-heavy metals (HMs)) shows significant effects. Thus wastewater treatment is urgently needed before being subjected to use. Many methods and materials have been developed and reported for the removal of pollutants from wastewater. This review focused on the removal of both OPs and HMs using bismuth-based (Bi-based) materials because of their low toxicity and excellent properties compared to other metals. Bi-based materials as a photocatalyst for photodegradation of OPs are discussed in detail with synthesis methods. Further, since few reviews are available on the Bi-based material for the removal and sensing of HMs, this topic was intentionally summarized. About 200 published articles and reviews have been reviewed here. Additionally, the key point that needs to be focused on the development of Bi-based photocatalysts for the removal of OPs and for upgrading the Bi-based materials as adsorbents for HMs are conferred in the outlook. This will help many researchers in their upcoming work.

Outlook on bismuth-based photocatalysts for environmental applications: A specific emphasis on Z-scheme mechanisms

Semiconductor photocatalysis is thought to be a viable solution for addressing the growing problem of environmental pollution. Bismuth (Bi) metal oxides can function as a direct plasmonic photocatalyst or cocatalyst to accelerate the photogenerated charge separation and thus improve their photocatalytic activity. Hence, Bi-based photocatalysts have received a lot of attention due to their extensive environmental applications, including pollutant remediation and energy concepts. Massive efforts have been undertaken in the recent decade to find superior Bi-metal oxides (Bi₂XO_6, X = MO, W, or Cr) and to uncover the corresponding photocatalytic reaction mechanism for the degradation of organic contaminants in water. Herein, the unique crystalline and electronic properties and main synthesis methods, as well as the major Bi-Based direct Z-scheme photocatalysts, are timely discussed and summarized in their usage in water treatment. Besides, the impact of Bi₂XO₆ in energy storage devices and solar energy conversion is reviewed as an energy application. Finally, the future development and challenges of Z-scheme-based Bi₂XO₆ photocatalysts are briefly explored, summarized, and forecasted.