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[Display omitted] • Overview of fundamentals of Nb 2 O 5 as photocatalyst-structure and properties. • Heterojunction photocatalysts -Z and S scheme- charge transfer routes. • Recent advances in Nb 2 O 5 based heterojunctions for photocatalytic applications. • Strategies for improving the photocatalytic performance Nb 2 O 5 based heterojunctions. Significant advancements in the field of photocatalysis in recent years have highlighted the heterojunctions based on Nb 2 O 5 as a focal point of research. This comprehensive review diligently analyses the progress in Nb 2 O 5 -based heterojunctions for their application in photocatalysis, focusing on synthesis, characteristics and their pivotal role in addressing crucial energy and environmental challenges. The review emphasizes the fundamental principles of photocatalysis in pollutant removal and H 2 generation, elucidating key processes such as light absorption, charge generation and surface reactions. The different types of heterojunctions, their basic principles and role in enhancing the charge separation and overall photocatlytic performance have been discussed. The recent advances in Nb 2 O 5 -based heterojunctions are extensively discussed for the photocatalytic applications such as pollutants removal and H 2 evolution. Furthermore, the review delves into strategies employed to enhance the photocatalytic activity of Nb 2 O 5 -based heterojunctions such as doping, oxygen vacancies modification, morphological engineering and atomic control, as well as loading with support materials. Each strategy is explained, emphasizing its impact on charge separation and overall efficiency. The review concludes by highlighting existing challenges and providing insights into potential future directions that integrates synthetic processes, novel methods for photoelectric characterization, and an in-depth understanding of the local structure of Nb 2 O 5. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers in the field, offering a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in Nb 2 O 5 -based heterojunctions for advanced photocatalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ni 5 P 4 /g-C 3 N 4 S-scheme dual-function heterojunction photocatalyst was prepared. • 25NP/CN junction shows 40.1 mmol g-1h-1H 2 evolution and 94.4 % CBZ removal in a coupled process. • Holes and OH radicals for CBZ degradation and electrons for H 2 generation via e-/H 2 O and 2e-/2H+. • Intermolecular H+ transfer via cyclic intermediate between Ni and degradation products. • Junction works in oxic/anoxic mediums- detailed mechanisms analysed. With a goal of waste-to-energy conversion, herein we report synchronous hydrogen evolution and pollutant degradation via photocatalysis utilizing novel Ni 5 P 4 /g-C 3 N 4 S-scheme (Step scheme) heterojunction. The 25 %Ni 5 P 4 /g-C 3 N 4 (25NP/CN) sample generates 40.1 mmol g-1h-1hydrogen evolution and 94.4 % carbamazepine degradation simultaneously under visible light and anaerobic conditions. Furthermore, the hydrogen evolution with carbamazepine, bisphenol A, sulfamethoxazole and rhodamine B is manifolds higher than in water. From The in-situ XPS results confirm the S-scheme transfer between Ni 5 P 4 and g-C 3 N 4. The presence of Ni0@Ni 5 P 4 where strong covalent interactions between Ni0 and Ni-P single layers on Ni 5 -P 4 not only enhanced the visible absorption, charge transfer but also leads to hydrogen formation by H+ transfer via a cyclic intermediate in a co-ordinate complex of degradation intermediates with Ni. This route is in addition to obvious e-/H+. The CBZ degradation and hydrogen evolution in aerobic/oxic conditions was also studied and 25NP/CN performs well under this atmosphere, inferring that oxidised intermediates act as electron donors and maintains the H 2 evolution in longer run too. The photogenerated holes directly oxidized the pollutant in addition to OH radicals in anoxic medium and separated/accumulated electrons leads to hydrogen evolution. The scavenging experiments reveal that photogenerated holes directly oxidized the pollutant in addition to OH radicals in anoxic medium and separated/accumulated high potential electrons (via S-scheme transfer) leads to hydrogen evolution. The clean energy production and pollutant mineralization are synchronously achieved. Henceforth, a waste-to-energy route is proposed by coupling photocatalytic hydrogen evolution to environmental restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]