Cr(VI) photocatalytic reduction: Effects of simultaneous organics oxidation and of gold nanoparticles photodeposition on TiO2

► The Cr(VI) photocatalytic reduction rate is limited by the charge separation efficiency. ► In the presence of hole scavengers, the reaction rate increases with adsorption. ► Direct or indirect hole scavengers differently affect Cr(VI) photoreduction on TiO2. ► Au nanoparticles deposition on TiO2 has scarce effect on photocatalytic reactions. ► The Au photodeposition treatment affects TiO2 surface properties and photoactivity.