Transition metal selenide-based photocatalysts for the degradation of organic dyes: materials design, mechanistic insights, and practical applicability.

Authors

Nawaz Khan, Waqar Ahmad, Muhammad Khan, Mahnoor Amjid, Adnan Khan, Sabir Khan, Nisar Ali, Nauman Ali, Jiaojiao Zheng

Published in

RSC advances. Aug 14, 2026. Epub Aug 14, 2026.

Abstract

The discharge of organic dyes from industrial effluents poses serious environmental and health risks due to the persistence, toxicity, and poor biodegradability of synthetic dyes, thereby necessitating the development of efficient and sustainable treatment technologies. Photocatalysis has emerged as a green and effective approach for dye degradation under mild operating conditions. In this context, metal selenide-based photocatalysts have gained considerable attention owing to their narrow band gaps, strong visible-light absorption, and efficient charge transport properties. This review provides a comprehensive and critical overview of recent advances in metal selenide-based systems for photocatalytic dye removal. Fundamental aspects of semiconductor photocatalysis are discussed, highlighting light absorption, electron-hole pair generation, and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as ˙OH and O₂˙^-, which play a central role in oxidative degradation processes. The review systematically examines a wide range of metal selenide materials, including pristine nanostructures, doped systems, heterojunctions, and polymer-supported or hybrid composites, in relation to their photocatalytic performance toward the degradation of various dyes such as methylene blue, rhodamine B, methyl orange, etc. Detailed degradation pathways are presented, highlighting key mechanisms such as azo bond cleavage, N-dealkylation, hydroxylation, etc. Furthermore, key operational parameters influencing photocatalytic efficiency, including pH, catalyst dosage, initial dye concentration, light source, and reaction kinetics, are systematically analysed and correlated with catalyst properties. The impact of material design strategies, including bandgap engineering, surface modification, and heterostructure formation, is critically evaluated to establish structure-property-performance relationships. Finally, the review addresses current challenges related to catalyst stability, recyclability, scalability, and real wastewater applicability, and outlines future perspectives aimed at enhancing solar utilization, durability, and environmental compatibility. Overall, metal selenide-based photocatalysts are identified as highly promising candidates for next-generation, eco-friendly wastewater treatment technologies, providing a strategic pathway toward sustainable environmental remediation.

PMID:
42602807
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 15 Aug 2026.

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