High-efficient photocatalytic treatment of dye and anti-bacterial activity via electrochemically synthesized SeS2nanoparticles

Selenium sulfide (SeS2) nano photocatalyst was prepared by a facile electrochemical method and characterized by XRD, scanning electron microscope, Energy dispersive X-ray analysis and IR spectroscopy. The XRD showed that SeS2 is amorphous and has an average crystallite size of 41.26 nm which has a triclinic structure. The photocatalytic activity of the sample was evaluated by the degradation of textile dye indigo carmine in aqueous solutions under ultraviolet radiation. The photocatalytic decolourization of the dye follows first-order kinetics. High efficiency was achieved at a very low concentration of 0.003 g of SeS2 nanoparticle. Easy separation from suspension by spontaneous sedimentation and reusability of the catalyst make these photocatalysts suitable for waste water treatment. Evidently, the anti-bacterial activity of SeS2 is considerable compared with the standard drug.