Sb-based photocatalysts for degradation of organic pollutants: A review

Sb-based photocatalysts, including antimony sulfur halides SbSX(X = Br, I), antimonate compounds (BiSbO4, AgSbO3), antimony salt oxymetallate (Sb2WO6, Sb2MoO6) and Sb2S3 etc., have triggered widespread attention for their unique crystalline geometric structures, stable photochemical property, and superior photocatalytic performance. In this review, we firstly introduce the photocatalytic reaction mechanism of Sb-based photocatalysts for degradation of organic pollutants. Secondly, we comprehensively introduce the preparation methods of Sb-based photocatalysts. Furthermore, the different modification methods of Sb-based photocatalysts, including heterojunction construction, ion doping and defect regulation, for enhancing their photocatalytic degradation efficiency are systematically summarized. Subsequently, the relationship between the photocatalytic degradation mechanism and electronic structures of Sb-based photocatalysts is revealed in depth via density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Finally, the underlying obstacles and potential outlooks of Sb-based photocatalysts for removal of organic pollutants are hierarchically presented. This work provides insights and reference significance for further development of Sb-based photocatalysts for environmental remediation.