Synthesis and performance enhancement for Bi2WO6 photocatalysts

As a visible light–driven photocatalyst, bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) has attracted widespread attention and shown great potential in photocatalysis. To further enhance the photocatalytic performance of Bi2WO6 under visible light irradiation, several methods have been employed to optimize the properties of Bi2WO6, including morphology control, doping, and surface modification. Bi2WO6 nanomaterials of diverse morphologies, such as nanoplates, nanoparticles, hierarchical microspheres, and ultrathin or porous nanostructures, have been synthesized to achieve large surface area or exposure of high activity crystal facets. The doping of ions can narrow the bandgap to improve light absorption at long wavelength, whereas surface modification by π-conjugated materials, quantum dots, and other general semiconductors can promote the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. Moreover, the combination of photochemical and electrochemical technologies exhibited great prospect with fast charge migration rate. Finally, as an example of the various applications of Bi2WO6, the photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction by Bi2WO6 is systematically reviewed.