Recent advances in structural tailoring of BiOX-based 2D composites for solar energy harvesting

TLDR: In this paper, a review of the recent revolution in BiOX-based energy applications such as H2 and O2 evolution, as well as N2 fixation, and structural engineering and design solutions for improving energy conversion are presented.

Abstract: Photocatalytic solar energy harvesting is considered as an excellent pathway to address the environmental energy dilemma. Due to the unique layered and band structure of bismuth oxyhalide (BiOX), it is an emergent class of photocatalysts which display adequate properties that promote the robust light response and may result in amplification of solar energy conversion. The current review will summarize the recent revolution in BiOX-based energy applications such as H2 and O2 evolution, as well as N2 fixation, and will present structural engineering and design solutions for improving energy conversion. Particularly, the preparation and structure tailoring of BiOX materials, as well as some other advanced techniques such as the building of Moire superlattices, heterojunctions, and tailoring the internal electric field, may boost the photocatalysis of BiOX materials. Additionally, various composite frameworks are discussed, emphasizing the importance of BiOX-based nanocomposites. Finally, the primary problems and potential for the material based on BiOX are discussed in terms of their future development. This review will provide a link between structural engineering and environmental applications and will provide a preferred path toward the novel material design based on BiOX for environmental and in particular, energy-related applications.