Controlled self-assembly of PbS nanoparticles into macrostar-like hierarchical structures

► Macrostar-like PbS hierarchical structures was successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method and mesostars were assembled from the PbS nanocube building blocks with edge lengths of about 100 nm. ► Ostwald-ripening-assisted oriented attachment is believed to play a key role in the growth behavior of novel 3D structures. ► Optical properties indicating few defects on the surface of the PbS structure and exhibit large blue-shifts compared to bulk PbS.