Reduced graphene oxide-SnSe (rGO-SnSe) nanohybrids were synthesized with a solution chemical reaction at room temperature. The nanohybrids were characterized by various techniques for their microstructural and photocatalytic activities in photodegradation of alkaline dye malachite green in the water. The effects of rGO/SnSe ratio, initial solution pH, and H2O2 concentration on the photodegradation efficiency were studied. The SnSe nanocrystallines with nanoscale size and narrow bandgap were formed and uniformly adhered on the rGO surface. Raman analysis confirmed the reduction of GO. The experimental results indicated that the nanohybrids showed excellent sunlight-excited photocatalytic activity in degrading malachite green in the water. Significantly, the nanohybrids showed remarkable photo-Fenton-like catalytic activity. The photodegradation rates of the hybrids were greater than that of SnSe nanoparticles, increased with increasing rGO/SnSe ratio, and related to operation parameters. High photocatalytic activities were ascribed to the efficiency interface effect that was confirmed by the calculations of band energy level and photoconductivity. The TOC measurement further verified the photodegradation results. The nanoparticles and nanohybrids also showed excellent reusability.
