Effect of solvents on morphologies of PbTe nanostructures: Controllable synthesis of hollow and solid PbTe nanocubes by a solvothermal method

We demonstrate a facile solvothermal route to grow hollow and solid PbTe nanocubes. The hollow PbTe nanocubes were successfully achieved when EtOH was used as solvent in the presence of nonionic polymer PEG, while the solid PbTe nanocubes were obtained when EG was used as solvent in the presence of PEG, whilst keeping the other experimental conditions constant. The results indicate that the solvents used in reaction system play a key role to determine the interior structure of PbTe nanocubes. On the basis of the experimental results and analysis, a possible growth mechanism has been discussed in detail for the hollow and solid PbTe nanocubes.

A facile solution-phase route has been developed to synthesize hollow and solid PbTe nanocubes. The possible growth mechanism of hollow and solid PbTe nanocubes was discussed in detail. Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A facile controllable route was described for hollow and solid PbTe nanocubes.
► The hollow PbTe nanocubes were achieved using EtOH as solvent.
► The solid PbTe nanocubes were obtained using EG as solvent.
► The solvent played a key role for the formation of hollow and solid PbTe nanocubes.