Bismuth-based magnetic Z-scheme heterojunctions as emerging photocatalysts for the environmental remediation of pharmaceuticals

The extensive use of pharmaceuticals driven by urbanization and globalization has led to their excessive discharge into waterways, causing many environmental problems. These emerging contaminants pose numerous risks to human health, aquatic life, and the ecosystem. Removal of pharmaceuticals requires innovative materials and technologies to ensure water safety, as they are resistant to traditional wastewater remediation techniques. Photocatalysis is the most efficient, economical, and environment-friendly method for the removal of pharmaceuticals; however, it does require a suitable candidate to act as a photocatalyst. Bismuth-based magnetic composites have overcome the drawbacks of traditionally used nanomaterials, such as poor stability, agglomeration, and challenging separation. Magnetic composites are advantageous because they can be easily separated from aqueous media after the photodegradation of the pollutants. To maximize the functional potential of bismuth-based materials as a photocatalyst, these can be further functionalized with the formation of Z-scheme heterojunctions. The primary goal of this review is to provide a thorough analysis of the bismuth-based magnetic composites that have been newly studied for the photocatalytic removal of pharmaceuticals from water. Potential obstacles and forthcoming research directions in the field of bismuth-based magnetic composites have also been discussed for further exploration of magnetic composites for wastewater treatment soon.