MoSe^sub 2^ visible-light photocatalyst for organic pollutant degradation and Cr(VI) reduction

A fast microwave-assisted approach was developed to fabricate MoSe^sub 2^ via a reaction of MoSe^sub 2^ precursor in an aqueous solution using a microwave system. The morphology, structure and photocatalytic activity were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectra, respectively. Results show that the MoSe^sub 2^ synthesized at pH value of five exhibits a maximum methylene blue degradation rate of 90 % and Cr(VI) reduction rate of 95 % under visible light irradiation, which is attributed to the synergetic effect of MoSe^sub 2^ particles that suppress the rate of charge recombination and increase the number of active adsorption sites. The excellent photocatalytic activity makes the MoSe^sub 2^ a promising candidate for environmental engineering applications.