Bismuth based photocatalytic material,with the unique layered structure,suitable bandgap,and adjustable valence and conduction band position,is a new kind of unique photocatalysis material developed in recent years. Because of its high efficiency,innocuity,controllable morphology,it has a wide application prospect in the fields of solar energy conversion and environmental remediation. In this paper,the types of Bi based photocatalytic materials are introduced. The structural control methods such as morphology control and surface defect introduction,crystal face construction,surface plasma modification,element doping and heterojunction construction are systematically reviewed. The enhancing mechanism of photocatalytic performance is analyzed,and the application of Bi based photocatalytic materials in water treatment,air purification,nitrogen fixation and hydrogen production are summarized. Finally,the challenges in this field are discussed,and the future development of Bi based photocatalytic materials is prospected.