As solar energy is the most abundant energy source, it has been widely exploited for thermal and electrical power generation. However, owing to the greater convenience of chemical energy storage, such as H-2, compared to electricity, solar fuels have been considered as one of the most promising technological concepts due to their potential higher efficiency and environmental suitability. In this context, the photocatalytic water splitting into O-2 and solar fuels (e.g. H-2) is a topic of current interest. Furthermore, the development of photocatalysts that can utilize the whole electromagnetic spectrum is preferable in order to enhance the overall water splitting efficiency. Direct photocatalytic water splitting is a challenging problem because the water oxidation (WO) reaction is thermodynamically uphill. Hence, several WO photocatalysts have been developed and assessed over the last few decades, and it has been reported that BiVO4 is one of the most active O-2 evolution photocatalysts. In this review, a first introduction regarding the solar fuel production and the water oxidation reaction is reported. Subsequently, the crystal and electronic structures as well as the optical properties that are closely related to the photoelectrochemical properties of BiVO4 are described. Finally, the monoclinic BiVO4 synthesis methods and the optimization methods to improve the performances of BiVO4 are discussed. The information gained from this analysis contributes to the better understanding of the main parameters affecting the activity and will ultimately lead to the optimized synthesis of a more efficient BiVO4 photocatalytic material. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.