Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic studies of ZnSe and Ag:ZnSe nanoparticles

摘要

ZnSe and Ag:ZnSe nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a solvothermal route using zinc nitrate and Se powder as precursors, silver nitrate for doping, and two types of solvents: (1) ethylene glycol and (2) hydrazine hydrate. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The cubic phase structures of the synthesized materials were confirmed by their X-ray diffraction patterns. Their optical properties were studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The photoluminescence spectra showed that the emission peak appeared in the blue region and the emission intensity decreased for Ag:ZnSe nanoparticles. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency and rate constants have been determined, confirming the potential photocatalytic behaviour of the nanoparticles.