Current progress in heterojunctions based on Nb₂O₅ for photocatalytic water treatment and energy applications

Significant advancements in the field of photocatalysis in recent years have highlighted the heterojunctions based on Nb₂O₅ as a focal point of research. This comprehensive review diligently analyses the progress in Nb₂O₅-based heterojunctions for their application in photocatalysis, focusing on synthesis, characteristics and their pivotal role in addressing crucial energy and environmental challenges. The review emphasizes the fundamental principles of photocatalysis in pollutant removal and H₂ generation, elucidating key processes such as light absorption, charge generation and surface reactions. The different types of heterojunctions, their basic principles and role in enhancing the charge separation and overall photocatlytic performance have been discussed. The recent advances in Nb₂O₅-based heterojunctions are extensively discussed for the photocatalytic applications such as pollutants removal and H₂ evolution. Furthermore, the review delves into strategies employed to enhance the photocatalytic activity of Nb₂O₅-based heterojunctions such as doping, oxygen vacancies modification, morphological engineering and atomic control, as well as loading with support materials. Each strategy is explained, emphasizing its impact on charge separation and overall efficiency. The review concludes by highlighting existing challenges and providing insights into potential future directions that integrates synthetic processes, novel methods for photoelectric characterization, and an in-depth understanding of the local structure of Nb₂O₅. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers in the field, offering a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in Nb₂O₅-based heterojunctions for advanced photocatalytic applications.