Advances in the synthesis of Bi2O3-based composite photocatalysts and the applications in water treatment

Photocatalytic technology has emerged as a promising solution for industrial wastewater treatment, driving intensive research into the development of highly efficient, visible-light-responsive photocatalysts. Bi2O3 has distinctive electronic structures and exceptional light-harvesting capabilities, rendering it highly promising in photocatalytic applications. This work first outlined the photocatalytic mechanisms of Bi2O3-based catalysts, followed by an in-depth review of diverse modification strategies including doping, loading, surface modification, and compositing with other nanomaterials culminating in a thorough discussion of recent advances in the field. The applications of Bi2O3-based composite photocatalysts were subsequently explored in the aspects of organic pollutant degradation, heavy metal ion remediation, and microbial inactivation, accompanied by an assessment of their recyclability and reuse strategies. Finally, the challenges and prospective development pathways for Bi2O3-based composite photocatalysts were discussed, with the aim of guiding the design of efficient, stable, and economically viable photocatalytic systems.