Construction of an in-situ Se-linked ZnSe/ZnO heterojunction for efficient photocatalytic U(VI) reduction

U(VI) in nuclear wastewater threatens human health and the environment due to its high toxicity and mobility. Photocatalysis is seen as a promising, simple, low-cost, and sustainable method for wastewater treatment, but existing photocatalysts face challenges like complex preparation and severe electron-hole recombination. In this work, ellipsoidal Se-linked ZnSe/ZnO was in situ constructed using a simple one-pot hydrothermal method, with non-metallic selenium serving as the carrier. In 30 minutes, the removal rate of U(VI) can reach 90.2 % in 100 mg/L U(VI) solution. The reaction kinetics of the optimal Se/ZnSe/ZnO ratio reached 0.14939 min −1 , which is nearly 10 times that of pure ZnO. Photocatalytic analysis revealed that introducing Se as the medium for electron transport in the composite material can effectively reduce electron-hole recombination, thereby enhancing photocatalytic efficiency. The results of this study offer a simple and efficient new method for photocatalytic reduction of U(VI) and provide an effective strategy for establishing a conductive medium in the heterojunction using a one-pot hydrothermal method.