Synthesis and Evolution of PbS Nanocrystals through a Surfactant-Assisted Solvothermal Route

• Published in: The journal of physical chemistry. B 2006-01, Vol.110 (1), p.184-189
• Main Authors: Zhang, Chao, Kang, Zhenhui, Shen, Enhong, Wang, Enbo, Gao, Lei, Luo, Fang, Tian, Chungui, Wang, Chunlei, Lan, Yang, Li, Jixue, Cao, Xuejing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Lead - chemistry; Nanostructures - chemistry; Particle Size; Sulfides - chemical synthesis; Sulfides - chemistry; Surface Properties; Surface-Active Agents - chemistry; Temperature; Time Factors; Water - chemistry
• ISSN: 1520-6106; 1520-5207
• DOI: 10.1021/jp053215+

We present a surfactant-assisted solvothermal approach for the controllable synthesis of a PbS nanocrystal at low temperature (85 °C). Nanotubes (400 nm in length with an outer diameter of 30 nm), bundle-like long nanorods (about 5−15 μm long and an average diameter of 100 nm), nanowires (5−20 μm in length and with a diameter of 20−50 nm), short nanorods (100−300 nm in length and an axial ratio of 5−10), nanoparticles (25 nm in width with an aspect ratio of 2), and nanocubes (a short axis length of 10 nm and a long axis length of 15 nm) were successfully prepared and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction pattern. A series of experimental results indicated that several experimental factors, such as AOT concentration, ratio of [water]/[surfactant], reaction time, and ratio of the reagents, play key roles in the final morphologies of PbS. Possible formation mechanisms of PbS nanorods and nanotubes were proposed.