BiVO4-graphene nanocomposites: Recent progress toward photocatalytic environmental remediation of pollutants

BiVO 4 -graphene nanocomposites have received considerable attention from researchers due to their strong activity toward both organic and inorganic contaminants. In this article, various graphene derivatives combined with BiVO 4 are discussed, along with different synthesis approaches and key factors influencing their morphology, structural evolution, and pollutant-adsorption behavior. Synthesis-associated morphology and characterization trends, including dispersion uniformity, interface contact quality, defect density, and surface functional groups, are correlated with photocatalytic performance to support clearer structure-performance understanding across studies. In addition, an accompanying synthesis-mechanism-performance perspective is provided to support perceptive selection of graphene form and fabrication route for pollutant-specific removal under visible light. Graphene-based materials usually provide high surface area, good electrical conductivity, and rapid electron transport, offering a robust platform for BiVO 4 to enhance charge transfer and suppress electron-hole recombination during photocatalytic reactions. In addition to these advantages, BiVO 4 -graphene composites exhibit efficient degradation of organic and inorganic chemicals, dyes, heavy metals, pharmaceutical residues, and other emerging pollutants under visible-light illumination. Their enhanced performance arises from improved light harvesting, better heterojunction formation, and strengthened interfacial electron pathways. Furthermore, hybrid structures incorporating additional semiconductors, carbonaceous materials, or catalysts have shown even better photocatalytic properties. Finally, challenges and future prospects related to material stability, practical deployment, scalability of synthesis routes, and performance under real wastewater conditions are highlighted. Collectively, this article aims to provide updated and significant insights into BiVO 4 -graphene composites and their role as promising advanced materials for photocatalytic environmental remediation.