Photocatalytic Properties of ZnSe Nanostructures

Zinc selenide (ZnSe) nanostructures have emerged as versatile photocatalysts owing to their direct wide band gap (~2.7 eV), tunable surface chemistry and high charge-carrier mobility. When fabricated as nanoparticles, nanowires or heterostructured composites, ZnSe exhibits strong absorption in the near-UV to visible region and generates electron–hole pairs that can drive redox transformations on its surface. Morphology, crystalline phase and defect density critically influence light harvesting and interfacial charge separation, while intentional doping and coupling with metal oxides or chalcogenides can narrow the effective band gap and suppress recombination. These properties underpin applications ranging from degradation of organic pollutants and hydrogen evolution to antibacterial treatments and selective oxidation. Recent advances have focused on optimising synthesis routes—such as hydrothermal, co-precipitation and mechanical milling—to control particle size, surface area and defect states. The modularity of ZnSe nanostructures also allows integration into photochemical reactors and composite films, pointing towards scalable environmental remediation and energy-conversion technologies.

Research from Nature Portfolio

A hydrothermal approach has been used to grow WO₃–ZnSe composite nanostructures exhibiting a hexagonal WO₃ matrix decorated with ZnSe domains. This study demonstrated remarkable photocatalytic degradation of phenol, achieving over 90 % conversion under visible-light irradiation and maintaining structural integrity over multiple cycles. Detailed characterisation revealed that intimate interfacial contacts between ZnSe and WO₃ enhanced charge-carrier separation and extended the absorption edge into the blue region. Electrochemical measurements further highlighted the composite’s potential for coupled photodegradation and supercapacitive energy storage, underscoring the multifunctionality of engineered chalcogenide-oxide heterostructures.

Photocatalytic Properties of ZnSe Nanostructures publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in photocatalytic properties of znse nanostructures across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Photocatalysis: A process in which light absorption by a semiconductor generates charge carriers that drive redox reactions at the surface.

Band gap: The energy difference between the valence and conduction bands of a semiconductor, determining the wavelengths of light it can absorb.

Electron–hole pair: A mobile electron in the conduction band and the corresponding positively charged vacancy (hole) in the valence band created by photon absorption.

Heterostructure: A composite material formed by interfacing two or more semiconductors or oxides to improve charge separation and extend light absorption.

Hydrothermal synthesis: A method of crystal growth in aqueous solutions at elevated temperature and pressure, enabling controlled nanostructure formation.

References

1. Synthesis and Characterization of Sr-Doped ZnSe Nanoparticles for Catalytic and Biological Activities. Water (2021).
2. Photocatalytic Dye Degradation and Biological Activities of Cu-Doped ZnSe Nanoparticles and Their Insights. Water (2021).
3. Growth of crystalline WO3-ZnSe nanocomposites: an approach to optical, electrochemical, and catalytic properties. Scientific Reports (2022).
4. Facile Synthesis of ZnSe/Co3O4 Heterostructure Nanocomposites for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Congo Red Dye. Catalysts (2022).