Bi2S3-based photocatalysts: Properties, synthesis, modification strategies, and mechanistic insights towards environmental sustainability and green energy technologies

Abstract

The scientific community has concentrated on semiconductor-based photocatalysis to promote ecologically sustainable living for future generations. This technology has demonstrated its efficacy in tackling environmental and energy challenges. Diverse semiconductors are utilized to deal with various issues due to their multiple properties in the presence of photon particles. Bi₂S₃ stands out as a suitable light absorber material for applications in solar cells, biosensors, photodetectors, X-ray technologies, the medical field, and more, owing to its unique characteristics, including a narrow bandgap and capability to operate with near-infrared and visible light. Unluckily, the narrow bandgap of Bi₂S₃, limited redox potential and photocorrosive features, has resulted in a lack of substantial research interest and shows significant inefficiency in energy conversion and the removal of various hazardous chemicals. Thus, the article elucidates the strategies to improve Bi₂S₃ and its intricate properties through diverse synthetic techniques or modification processes. The article further explains characterization techniques that confirm the augmentation of the inherent properties of Bi₂S₃. The improvement implies an increase in the surface area of Bi₂S₃, augmentation of light-harvesting efficiency, facilitation of photoexcited charge separation, offering additional active sites for reactions, elevation of carrier concentration, and conferment of chemical stability, and mitigating photocorrosion, among other advantages. Moreover, the utilization of Bi₂S₃, both in isolation and in conjunction with other photocatalysts, is deliberated upon, accompanied by a tabular overview. The possible challenges and future perspectives associated with Bi₂S₃-based photocatalysts have also been successfully presented.