Bismuth-containing semiconductors for photoelectrochemical sensing and biosensing

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing and biosensing have received much attention owing to their great potential for future biomolecular detection. The use of an appropriate photoelectrode is essential for PEC sensing and biosensing. Among the numerous semiconductors, many Bi-based ones are of great interest due to their high visible-light-responsivity, easy fabrication and good biocompatibility. Currently, the impetus for advanced Bi-based PEC sensing and biosensing has grown rapidly, as demonstrated by increased scholarly reports. This review introduces the state-of-the-art type and properties of Bi-based photoelectrodes, as well as their analytical applications toward various biomolecules, gas biomolecules and metal ions etc. The future prospects in this area will also be discussed based on our own opinions.