Modulation of Bi2MoO6-Based Materials for Photocatalytic Water Splitting and Environmental Application: a Critical Review

Abstract

Highly active photocatalysts driving chemical reactions are of paramount importance toward renewable energy substitutes and environmental protection. As a fascinating Aurivillius phase material, Bi2MoO6 has been the hotspot in photocatalytic applications due to its visible light absorption, nontoxicity, low cost, and high chemical durability. However, pure Bi2MoO6 suffers from low efficiency in separating photogenerated carriers, small surface area, and poor quantum yield, resulting in low photocatalytic activity. Various strategies, such as morphology control, doping/defect-introduction, metal deposition, semiconductor combination, and surface modification with conjugative π structures, have been systematically explored to improve the photocatalytic activity of Bi2MoO6. To accelerate further developments of Bi2MoO6 in the field of photocatalysis, this comprehensive Review endeavors to summarize recent research progress for the construction of highly efficient Bi2MoO6-based photocatalysts. Furthermore, benefiting from the enhanced photocatalytic activity of Bi2MoO6-based materials, various photocatalytic applications including water splitting, pollutant removal, and disinfection of bacteria, were introduced and critically reviewed. Finally, the current challenges and prospects of Bi2MoO6 are pointed out. This comprehensive Review is expected to consolidate the existing fundamental theories of photocatalysis and pave a novel avenue to rationally design highly efficient Bi2MoO6-based photocatalysts for environmental pollution control and green energy development.