Recent advances in the synthesis and application of copper bismuthate-based materials

The unique optical and electronic properties of copper bismuthate (CuBi2O4) make it a very attractive material for several optoelectronic applications. This ternary metal oxide has been synthesized using via different synthetic routes such as sputtering, pyrolysis, electrodeposition, and solvent-based techniques. However, these techniques are limited in modulating the properties of CuBi2O4 for improved characteristic properties. The optoelectronic properties of CuBi2O4 have been explored in areas such as environmental remediation, water splitting, and chemical sensing. Its low photostability and highly inhibited charge carrier transport have remained a significant constraint to its extensive use. Several successful techniques have been explored for possible mitigation of these shortcomings including defect engineering, precursor variation, heterostructure formation, and post-synthesis annealing. This review focuses on the recent developments on the synthesis of CuBi2O4-based materials, the different techniques devised for improving the properties, and the enhanced efficiency in their applications in different areas such as wastewater treatment, gas sensing, photoelectrochemical cathode, and catalysis. Studies showed that the hydrothermal synthesis route seems to be the most employed synthetic route for CuBi2O4, while the formation of heterojunction systems proved to be highly effective in enhancing the effectiveness of CuBi2O4. Finally, some crucial issues, that should be further investigated on improving the applicability of CuBi2O4-based materials were proposed.