A mini-review on Z and S scheme heterojunction bismuth based photocatalysts towards H2 production, CO2 reduction, and pollutant degradation

Using the limitless energy of the sun, photocatalysis offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to clean up the environment and store energy. To overcome the drawbacks of traditional heterojunctions in terms of kinetics and thermodynamics, the step-scheme (S-scheme and Z scheme heterojunction was devised. Interestingly, because of their distinct electrical composition and layered architectures, bismuth-based catalysts have been extensively investigated in a variety of applications. Because the valence band of bismuth-based compounds is made up of hybrid orbitals, the band gap is less, making it easier to migrate photogenerated electron-hole pairs. This review's objective is to study the most recent developments and successes in the creation of Bi based S and Z scheme. First, a summary of the basic ideas behind the formation of heterojunctions was provided. Second, the important uses of S and Z scheme heterojunction photocatalysts in the creation of hydrogen, the reduction of CO₂, and the degradation of pollutants were covered. Finally, the article provides valuable insights for future research and development involving in the designing and construction of a Bi-based heterojunction.