An overview on InVO4-based photocatalysts: Electronic properties, synthesis, enhancement strategies, and photocatalytic applications

Abstract

InVO4-based photocatalysts have attracted extensive interest in the realms of sustainable energy conversion and environmental applications, due to the narrow electronic band gap, high stability, nontoxicity, and high optical absorption. However, InVO4 has some limitations in that it can harvest less solar energy due the slow migration and separation of photoinduced charge carriers, which hinders its potential applications. Consequently, numerous attempts have been made to increase the photocatalytic activity of InVO4. In recent years, significant advances have been achieved in developing efficient photocatalysts. In this review, we provide an overview of the structure and electronic properties of InVO4 along with a brief discussion on the controlled synthesis routes of InVO4 as photocatalysts. Following that, a description of the modification strategies including heterojunction formation and doping is given. The mechanism of various InVO4-based photocatalysts along with their photodegradation efficiency for organic pollutants is discussed in this review. Thereafter, we summarize the potential applications of the photocatalytic InVO4 in the energy and environmental field. Lastly, the future perspective and knowledge gap in the direction of InVO4-based photocatalysts are also discussed.