Exploring the potential of BiOCl Photocatalysts in sustainable chemistry

Abstract

As a V − VI − VII ternary structured semiconductor, bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) and BiOCl-based photocatalysts have garnered significant attention due to their unique two-dimensional layered structures, high chemical stability, and tunable physicochemical properties. However, their further utilities in addressing energy and environmental challenges are limited by insufficient absorption spectrum, rapid carrier recombination and complex defect dynamics. To overcome these potential limitations, various approaches have been developed to improve the efficiency of BiOCl-based photocatalysts, making comprehensive reviews on this topic highly valuable. While existing reviews primarily document conventional modification strategies, this review breaks new ground by synthesizing three transformative frontiers of BiOCl, followed by an in-depth discussion of advanced modification techniques, including microstructure engineering (tailoring shapes, facets and dimensions), atomic-scale precision engineering (oxygen / metal vacancies and single-atom catalysts), elemental doping (both metal and non-metal) and heterojunction construction (type II, Z-scheme and S-scheme) establishing structure-activity relationships across emerging applications, offering new insights into the design and optimization of BiOCl-based photocatalysts. The state-of-the-arts of BiOCl-based photocatalysts are further interpreted, highlighting their versatility and promise for addressing critical energy and environmental challenges, including pollutant degradation, CO₂ reduction, N₂ fixation and water splitting. Additionally, this review identifies emerging trends and future opportunities in the field, such as the integration of dual-defect engineering, scalable synthesis, and computational tools for catalyst design. By addressing key challenges and proposing innovative solutions, this work bridges the gap between fundamental research and practical applications, offering a comprehensive roadmap for the rational design of next-generation BiOCl-based photocatalysts. It aims to inspire novel approaches and highlight their significant potential to accelerate the development of high-performance photocatalysts for sustainable energy conversion and environmental remediation.