Bismuth Chalcogenide‐Based Photocatalysts for Nitrogen Reduction: Recent Progress and Prospects
- 1Discipline of Chemistry School of Agriculture and Science University of KwaZulu‐Natal Durban South Africa
Abstract
Bismuth chalcogenides and related bismuth‐based materials have recently attracted considerable attention as promising photocatalysts for sustainable nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) due to their unique electronic structures, visible‐light responsiveness, stereochemically active Bi 6s2 lone pair, and tunable band positions that facilitate nitrogen adsorption and activation. This review summarizes recent advances in the rational design of bismuth chalcogenide‐based photocatalysts for light‐driven ammonia synthesis. Fundamental aspects of photocatalytic N2 reduction and reliable methodologies for ammonia quantification are critically discussed. Material engineering strategies, including defect modulation, elemental doping, heterojunction construction (Type‐II, Z‐scheme, and S‐scheme systems), and hybrid structural design, are analyzed with respect to charge separation and band alignment. Key challenges, such as low N2 activation efficiency, competing hydrogen evolution reaction, charge recombination, and reproducibility concerns, are highlighted. Future perspectives emphasize electronic structure regulation, operando mechanistic studies, standardized evaluation protocols, and integration with photoelectrochemical systems for improved efficiency and selectivity.
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BibTeX
@article{verma2026bismuth,
title = {{Bismuth Chalcogenide‐Based Photocatalysts for Nitrogen Reduction: Recent Progress and Prospects}},
author = {Mukesh K. Verma and Muhammad D. Bala and Phindile B. Khoza and Tshephiso R. Papo and Mzamo L. Shozi},
journal = {Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1002/chem.71414},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.71414},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Bismuth Chalcogenide‐Based Photocatalysts for Nitrogen Reduction: Recent Progress and Prospects
AU - Mukesh K. Verma
AU - Muhammad D. Bala
AU - Phindile B. Khoza
AU - Tshephiso R. Papo
AU - Mzamo L. Shozi
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/15
JO - Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
DO - 10.1002/chem.71414
UR - https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.71414
AB - Bismuth chalcogenides and related bismuth‐based materials have recently attracted considerable attention as promising photocatalysts for sustainable nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) due to their unique electronic structures, visible‐light responsiveness, stereochemically active Bi 6s2 lone pair, and tunable band positions that facilitate nitrogen adsorption and activation. This review summarizes recent advances in the rational design of bismuth chalcogenide‐based photocatalysts for light‐driven ammonia synthesis. Fundamental aspects of photocatalytic N2 reduction and reliable methodologies for ammonia quantification are critically discussed. Material engineering strategies, including defect modulation, elemental doping, heterojunction construction (Type‐II, Z‐scheme, and S‐scheme systems), and hybrid structural design, are analyzed with respect to charge separation and band alignment. Key challenges, such as low N2 activation efficiency, competing hydrogen evolution reaction, charge recombination, and reproducibility concerns, are highlighted. Future perspectives emphasize electronic structure regulation, operando mechanistic studies, standardized evaluation protocols, and integration with photoelectrochemical systems for improved efficiency and selectivity.
SN - 0947-6539
SN - 1521-3765
ER -