A comprehensive review on ternary vanadate-based compounds for artificial solar energy conversion

Ternary vanadate-based compounds have been recognized as environmentally friendly materials toward solar conversion because of its broad spectral response for over two decades. In this review, recent progress on vanadate-based photocatalysts for solar conversion derived hackneyed compounds into the green value-added products under ambient temperature is systematically summarized. Vanadate-based compounds are mainly classified into three crystal forms, including orthovanadate, metavanadate and pyrovanadate phases. Furthermore, advances in the combination of such a photocatalytic efficiency and product selectivity with the water splitting for H₂ and O₂ production, CO₂ reduction to carbon-based fuels are reviewed and then photodegradation is elaborated considering its active radicals. Challenges and prospects of photocatalytic application on vanadate-based compounds are extensively elaborated considering the reaction condition, reactive intermediates and photoinduced charge carriers. Additionally, the photoelectrochemical and photothermal catalysis, as the externally assisted photocatalysis, are briefly addressed to improve photocatalytic efficiency and product selectivity. Given the extensive research efforts and numerous unexplored opportunities in recent decades, vanadate-based photocatalysts hold significant promise for future applications.