Abstract:
Expansion of the possibilities of using photoactive thin films with a unique combination of optical and
morphological characteristics as a basis for creation of highly efficient catalysts for the aqueous media purifi
cation is one of the promising research areas in modern materials science, which has both fundamental signif
icance and potential for practical application. This study examines the prospects for using modified thin CdSe
films by substituting nickel or cobalt for cadmium and selenium as a basis for creating highly efficient catalysts
for the aqueous media purification from heavy metals such as arsenic, manganese and iron. A rather inexpensive
electrochemical synthesis method was proposed as a method for obtaining thin films, in which the substitution
effect is achieved by addition of nickel or cobalt sulfates to the electrolyte, which allows obtaining films with an
equally probable distribution of elements in the composition of the synthesized films. Optical spectroscopy
methods were used as methods for characterization of the initial samples, which made it possible to establish the
dependences of the change in the band gap and absorption bands on the composition of the synthesized films, as
well as to anticipate the influence of morphological features on optical absorption. During the conducted studies
it was established that partial substitution of nickel and cobalt for cadmium and selenium in the composition of
films results in growth in the adsorption efficiency of heavy metals, alongside operation stability maintenance of
modified films during cyclic tests. At the same time, enhancement of the adsorption efficiency of heavy metals for
modified films is due to both an alteration in the optical properties of the films and morphological features
associated with the specific surface area growth due to a reduction in the grain size and a more developed
surface.
