Preparation and photocatalytic activity of Zn-doped Sb2Se3 thin films

Antimony selenide film doped with Zn2+ was deposited on ultra-white glass by hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photocatalytic decolorization reaction with methylene blue (MB) solution. According to the free radical capture experiment, photogenerated holes (h+) and superoxide radicals (·O2−) are the decisive active substances in the photocatalytic process. [Display omitted] •Zn-doped Sb2Se3 thin films prepared by hydrothermal deposition.•The amount of zinc doping is the key to the enhancement of photocatalytic activity.•The doping of Zn2+ increases the visible light absorbance of the Sb2Se3 thin film.•Metal ion doping provides a simple method for metal selenide photocatalysts. Sb2Se3 is a promising light-absorbing material with low cost and good photocatalytic activity. In this paper, Sb2Se3 thin films doped with zinc (Zn) were deposited on ultra-white glass by hydrothermal method, using ZnCl2, 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 Zn2+ was doped with 0.10 mmol, and its degradation rate of methylene blue was 1.66 times higher than that of pure Sb2Se3. Zn2+ doped Sb2Se3 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 (·O2−) 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.