Advances in Synthesis and Applications of Bismuth Vanadate Based Structures

In recent years, researchers have made great efforts to develop effective semiconductor photocatalysts to harness the visible spectrum of sunlight in photocatalytic applications. Bismuth vanadate, BiVO4, has emerged as one of the most promising candidates for photocatalytic applications among few non-titania based visible light driven semiconductor photocatalysts. The BiVO4-based structures are intensively studied due to their exceptional ionic conductivity, photocatalytic behavior under ultra-violet and visible light, dielectric properties, ferroelastic and paraelastic phase transitions, and strong pigmentation. BiVO4 occurs in nature in three crystalline structures: orthorhombic pucherite, tetragonal dreyerite (tz), and monoclinic clinobisvanite (ms). All three crystal structures of BiVO4 are n-type semiconductors with corresponding energy gap values of 2.34, 2.40 and 2.90 eV, respectively. Different methods of synthesis have been reported for preparation of BiVO4 structures of varying morphologies and sizes. The morphology of BiVO4 is strongly influenced by the preparation method and reaction parameters. A comprehensive systematic study of developments, preparation methods, structure, different properties and advances in different applications over the past decade in research on BiVO4 based structure will be described. Finally, the current challenges and future outlook of the BiVO4 based structure will be highlighted, in the hope of contributing to guidelines for the future applications.