From evolution to applications of bismuth-based materials for photocatalytic degradation of plastics and associated additives: progress, pitfalls, and innovations

Plastics (macro-micro) and associated additives (AAs) are a growing concern for scientists as these pollutants are highly toxic and their ubiquitous presence in the environment is a cause of concern for living organisms, especially for humans. In this regard, a lot of effort has been made for the photocatalytic degradation of plastics and associated additives but still, there is a crucial need for the development of environmentally friendly photocatalytic materials for their efficient degradation. Recently, bismuth (Bi) has garnered significant attention due to its effective performance for their degradation. Therefore, this work presents a first comprehensive study consolidating the aspects of the historical evolution of Bi-based materials, their classification, mechanism, and strategies for enhancing the material's efficacy in the context of plastics (macro-micro), and associated additives (AAs) degradation. Additionally, it presents a critical evaluation of current studies, discusses recent advances in the application of Bi-based materials for plastics and AAs degradation. It also proposes guidelines for a more effective and innovative photocatalytic system to promise fundamental design and environmental viability for impending research. This study serves as a valuable resource for controlling plastic and associated additives in an eco-friendly way.