MoSe₂ visible-light photocatalyst for organic pollutant degradation and Cr(VI) reduction

A fast microwave-assisted approach was developed to fabricate MoSe₂ via a reaction of MoSe₂ 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 MoSe₂ 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 MoSe₂ particles that suppress the rate of charge recombination and increase the number of active adsorption sites. The excellent photocatalytic activity makes the MoSe₂ a promising candidate for environmental engineering applications.