Synthesis and photocatalytic property of ZnSe flowerlike hierarchical structure

► Spherical flowerlike hierarchical structure of ZnSe(en)0.5 is obtained via a solvothermal route. ► NH3·H2O-ethylenediamine (en)-N2H4·H2O as solvent. ► The ZnSe(en)0.5 can be converted into ZnSe by annealing with morphology preserved. ► The ZnSe hierarchical structure shows excellent catalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange under the irradiation of the simulated sunlight.