Tailoring Bismuth‐Based Photocatalysts for Nitrogen Reduction Reaction

Bismuth‐based photocatalysts have attracted attention as interesting materials for sustainable nitrogen reduction reaction because of their unique electronic structures, visible‐light responsiveness, and flexible band positions. This mini‐review summarizes recent progress in the rational design of Bi‐based photocatalysts, including BiOX, BiVO ₄ , Bi ₂ S ₃ , and their heterostructures, which accentuate strategies such as defect engineering, heterojunction construction, cocatalyst loading, and elemental doping to improve photocatalytic activity. The review covers the fundamental mechanisms of nitrogen reduction reaction, stressing the roles of oxygen vacancies, surface plasmon resonance, and active facet engineering in improving charge separation and molecular activation. Current issues are closely studied, including limited active sites, fast charge recombination, and selectivity problems. The review article illustrates the futuristic merging of dual‐defect engineering and single‐atom catalysis with advanced quantification methods for ammonia generation. Fine‐tuning the variables causing difficulties in constructing a photoactive bismuth‐based composite with their respective analog is an effective way to handle the environmental and energy issues with greener technologies.