Solid-state reactions to synthesize nanostructured lead selenide semiconductor powders by high-energy milling

Both solid–solid and gas–solid reactions have been traced during high-energy milling of Se and PbO powders under vial (P, T) conditions in order to synthesize the PbSe phase. Chemical and thermodynamic arguments are postulated to discern the high-energy milling mechanism to transform PbO–Se micropowders onto PbSe-nanocrystals. A set of reactions were evaluated at around room temperature. Therefore an experimental campaign was designed to test the nature of reactions in the PbO–Se system during high-energy milling.

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► PbSe synthesized from PbO instead of Pb powder do not require an inert atmosphere.
► During high-energy milling oxygen has to be chemically reduced from the lead oxide.
► Solid-state and solid–gas chemical reactions promote both solid and gaseous products.