The interesting properties and numerous applications of bismuth sulfide were reviewed.
•
Both the conventional and the state-of the-art methods of synthesis were highlighted.
•
An in depth discussion were made on its application in photocatalysis including the mechanism of reaction.
•
More potentials of bismuth sulfide compounds and the future perspective for their studies and application were suggested.
Abstract
Bismuth sulfide is one of the important compounds of bismuth that has garnered much attention due to its interesting properties and numerous applications. The structural orientation of bismuth sulfide and the characterization techniques have been highlighted. An in depth discussion were made on the various methods of synthesizing bismuth sulfide including chemical, sol–gel, deposition, pyrolysis, mechanical milling, microwave, microemulsion, Bridgman and successive ionic layer and reaction methods. Its medical applications, use in storage and generation of hydrogen, production of energy saving devices, as sensor for gas and other biomolecules and as photocatalyst for the removal of pollutants from the environment were presented in details. Finally, the future perspective for studies involving bismuth sulfide were suggested.
