A Review on Exploration of FeO Photocatalyst Towards Degradation of Dyes and Organic Contaminants

Photocatalytic degradation is among the promising technology for removal of various dyes and organic contaminants from environment owing to its excellent catalytic activity, low energy utilization, and low cost. As one of potential photocatalysts, FeO has emerged as an important material for degradation of numerous dyes and organic contaminants caused by its tolerable band gap, wide harvesting of visible light, good stability and recyclability. The present review thoroughly summarized the classification, synthesis route of FeO with different morphologies, and several modifications of FeO for improved photocatalytic performance. These include the incorporation with supporting materials, formation of heterojunction with other semiconductor photocatalysts, as well as the fabrication of Z-scheme. Explicitly, the other photocatalytic applications of FeO, including for removal of heavy metals, reduction of CO, evolution of H, and N fixation are also deliberately discussed to further highlight the huge potential of this catalyst. Moreover, the prospects and future challenges are also comprised to expose the unscrutinized criteria of FeO photocatalyst. This review aims to contribute a knowledge transfer for providing more information on the potential of FeO photocatalyst. In the meantime, it might give an idea for utilization of this photocatalyst in other environmental remediation application.