Self-Assembled Hierarchical Bi2WO6 Microspheres for Effective Photocatalytic Cr(VI) Reduction and H2 Evolution

<jats:p>Self-assembled hierarchical Bi<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>WO<jats:sub>6</jats:sub> microsphere was synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. The fabricated Bi<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>WO<jats:sub>6</jats:sub> exhibited up to 85.3% Cr(VI) reduction efficacy which was much greater than that of commercially available P25 TiO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> nanoparticles. Furthermore, Bi<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>WO<jats:sub>6</jats:sub> microsphere also produced about 1.5-fold greater H<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> quantity in water splitting compared to P25 TiO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>. The photocatalytic enhancement of Bi<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>WO<jats:sub>6</jats:sub> microsphere was ascribed to its unique hierarchical porous architecture and large surface area which can improve the charge carrier quantities for redox reactions. The present study could be useful for fabricating Bi<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>WO<jats:sub>6</jats:sub> photocatalyst with improved performance in environmental remediation and renewable energy applications.</jats:p>