Recent Advances in the Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol over Bi-Based Oxide Catalysts

Wastewater containing phenolic organic compounds, such as phenol, produced during industrial manufacturing processes, poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and crops. Photocatalytic technology is considered the most promising approach to water treatment due to its efficiency and eco-friendly advantages. Compared to other photocatalysts, Bi-based oxides are more efficient due to their unique layered structure, which allows for photocatalytic reactions to occur between layers. This review introduces the synthesis methods of various bismuth-based multi-element oxides and their efficiency in the photocatalytic decomposition of phenol. The effects of elemental doping, defect introduction, and heterojunction construction on the catalytic performance and structure of Bi-based oxides are discussed. The mechanisms for the photocatalytic degradation of phenol over different materials are also summarized and discussed.