Bismuth(V)-containing semiconductor compounds and applications in heterogeneous photocatalysis

Heterogeneous photocatalysis technology has become a promising approach to solve energy and environmental problems since 1972. The exploration and search for active semiconductor photocatalysts specially for solar energy applications is one of the most challenging tasks. The bismuth(V)-containing photocatalysts have gained great significance due to their unique electronic/energy band structures. The preparation techniques, physical–chemical properties, photocatalytic activities, and photostabilities of the bismuth(V)-containing photocatalysts (as represented by ilmenite-type NaBiO₃) are reviewed in this chapter. Some of these photocatalysts have excellent catalytic performance in water purification, disinfection of water as well as splitting of water for H₂ production. But nevertheless, their instabilities under light exposure during photocatalysis process have been gradually realized and further studied. The trend of bismuth(V)-containing photocatalyst research is also prospected in the end of this chapter.