Improvement of Photocatalytic and Photodegradable ZnSe Nanorods by a Vulcanization Strategy

Photocatalysts composed of ZnSe nanorods were prepared by using a glancing angle deposition technique facilitated by electron beam evaporation equipment. To enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of ZnSe, a vulcanization process was introduced. The impact of various parameters, including curing temperature, duration, and nanorod length, on the photocatalytic performance was systematically examined. Comprehensive analysis using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and photocurrent density-potential curves identified optimal vulcanization conditions at 300 °C for 45 min for 170 nm ZnSe nanorods. Under these conditions, the photocurrent reached 44.53 μA/cm², approximately 7-fold greater than that of untreated ZnSe nanorods. Furthermore, the degradation efficiency of Rhodamine B increased by 50%. Detailed analysis of the photocatalytic mechanism revealed that sulfurization not only enhances light absorption but also facilitates the separation of photogenerated carriers through the formation of ZnS.