Advances in the structural engineering of layered bismuth-based semiconductors for visible light-driven photocatalytic water splitting

Chem Commun (Camb). 2024 Apr 24. doi: 10.1039/d4cc00455h. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTHydrogen production via the photocatalytic water splitting reaction on semiconductors presents a promising avenue to directly achieve solar energy conversion and storage. Bismuth-based semiconductors with layered structures, a hierarchical arrangement of components stacked in the form of two-dimensional extended layers where the atoms within each layer are typically strongly bonded, while the interactions between the layers are relatively weak, have emerged as an important series of photocatalyst candidates. In this review, we focus on the new emerging layered bismuth-based semiconductors with structures in Sillén, Aurivillius, Sillén-Aurivillius and bismuth chromate systems primarily employed in the photocatalytic water splitting reaction. From a crystal structure-oriented view, we delve into discussions on how the component and unit of a crystal structure influence the intrinsic properties, including light absorption and photogenerated charge transfer and separation, of materials as well as the corresponding photocatalytic performance of the water splitting reaction. The strategies for modulating the ferroelectricity and surface modification of these layered bismuth-based semiconductors are also involved. We also discuss the limitations of these materials accompanied by a forward-looking perspective, and we hope to provide some insights from the view of rational material design and eng...

Source: Chemical Communications - April 24, 2024 Category: Chemistry Authors: Xiaoping Tao Xiaoyuan Zhou Rengui Li Source Type: research