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The conversion of CO 2 into new carbon-based products, such as fuels and chemicals, is an attractive and promising means of mitigating global energy needs and minimizing environmental damage. Although bismuth tungstate (Bi 2 WO 6 ) as a photocatalyst can promote CO 2 photoreduction, a systematic study for the development of a low-cost and efficient catalyst is needed. Thus, Bi 2 WO 6 with different morphologies was successfully synthesized using the hydrothermal method. An experimental design was applied to investigate the effect of synthesis time and PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) concentration on catalyst photocatalytic activity. Crystal structures, morphologies, optical absorption, and surface charges of the catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, UV-vis diffuse-reflection spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption, and zeta potential. All samples exhibited good performance for the photoreduction of CO 2 into ethanol, and both time and PVP concentration were significant in the ethanol yield. Changes in synthesis conditions induced differences in catalyst characteristics, such as morphology, crystallinity, and, predominantly, surface area. Furthermore, PVP addition improved photocatalytic efficiency by up to 258% compared with results without the surfactant. The best sample, W-8h-10%, presented a flower-like morphology and ethanol yield of 68.9 μmol g -1 h -1 .

The hexavalent chromium contained in wastewater of some industries is toxic to most microorganisms and potentially harmful to human health. The application of photochemical reduction of Cr(VI) in the treatment of wastewater from the electroplating industry was studied, and a continuous reactor in spiral shape made of borosilicate was designed and constructed (SSR). The statistical model of a circumscribed central composite design (CCCD) was used to investigate the influence of the amount of ethanol and the initial concentration of hexavalent chromium on total Cr(VI) reduction. A total Cr(VI) reduction of 46.0% was achieved under the optimal conditions established by the experimental design, using a synthetic Cr(VI) solution. In addition, the photochemical reduction of Cr(VI) follows pseudo first-order kinetics. The SSR exhibited similar behavior to that of the plug flow reactor (PFR), and presented higher photonic efficiency than the batch reactor. Finally, the designed reactor was effective when applied to real wastewater, showing a total Cr(VI) reduction of 51.8%, and its configuration is suitable for scale up.