Abstract There are huge prospects for environmental remediation using semiconductor photocatalysts that decompose toxic pollutants under the illumination of light. This review article offers an outline of the applications of BiOI photocatalyst for the efficient decomposition of pollutants exist in the aqueous ecosystem. In addition, methods for synthesizing and modifying BiOI are emphasized to provide strategies for improving their photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, recent research progress and future predictions for BiOI photocatalyst are also summarized. This review will offer vision into the fabrication of novel and highly active BiOI-based photocatalysts in a green manner at low operational cost.