Preparation and photocatalytic activity of Zn-doped Sb2Se3 thin films

Sb 2 Se 3 is a promising light-absorbing material with low cost and good photocatalytic activity. In this paper, Sb 2 Se 3 thin films doped with zinc (Zn) were deposited on ultra-white glass by hydrothermal method, using ZnCl 2 , sodium selenate and antimony potassium tartrate as raw materials. And the photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photocatalytic decolorization reaction with methylene blue (MB) solution. The results showed that the highest photocatalytic activity was displayed when Zn 2+ was doped with 0.10 mmol, and its degradation rate of methylene blue was 1.66 times higher than that of pure Sb 2 Se 3 . Zn 2+ doped Sb 2 Se 3 film can effectively inhibit the recombination of electron-hole pairs, thereby improving the optical activity. According to the free radical capture experiment, photogenerated holes (h + ) and superoxide radicals (·O 2− ) are the decisive active substances in the photocatalytic process. This method provides a reliable way for transition metal ions doped metal selenides to degrade organic dyes.