Recent Advancements in Bismuth Oxyhalide Photocatalysis for Energy and Environmental Applications

Energy crisis and environmental pollution are universal challenges affecting people and the environment. One effective strategy to deal with this global issue is the photocatalytic approach. Among them bismuth oxyhalides (BiOX) are a family of catalysts which show excellent solar energy conversion. The materials have a unique layered structure and have an inbuilt electric field. Moreover this material has high stability and electrical conductivity. These characteristics give the material more controllable qualities to boost efficiency. Many strategies like doping, defect engineering, facet exposure, solid solution preparation, etc., are employed for the enhancement of photocatalysis. Similarly, structural modifications like perovskite structure and, introduction of support can also enhance the photocatalytic property of the material. The bismuth oxyhalides are widely applied in many energy and environmental applications like CO2 conversion, nitrogen fixation, water splitting, degradation of many organic and volatile compounds in air as well as water. This chapter discusses with recent modifications employed over BiOX and its application towards energy and environmental remediation.