Controlled Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of ZnSe Nanostructured Assemblies with Different Morphologies and Crystalline Phases

Microspheres constructed from ZnSe nanoparticles with a cubic structure and spherical flowerlike nanoarchitectures assembled from ZnSe(en)(0.5) nanoflakes were synthesized via a solvothermal reaction of ZnCl2 with Na2SeO3 and ethylenediamine in ethylene glycol in the presence of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) at 180 degrees C for 12 h. Their controlled synthesis is achieved by varying the volume ratio of ethylenediamine to ethylene glycol. Spherical flowerlike nanoarchitectures assembled from ZnSe nanoflakes with a hexagonal structure are obtained by calcining the ZnSe(en)(0.5) in Ar at 350 degrees C. Their reaction mechanisms and the self-assembly evolution processes are discussed. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared products in various geometrical morphologies for the degradation of organic pollutants was studied, and the results indicate that the photocatalytic ability of the ZnSe-spherical flowerlike nanoarchitectures is stronger than that of the ZnSe microspheres.