Large scale hydrothermal synthesis of PbS nanorods

PbS nanorods with a diameter of 20–50 nm have been synthesized successfully by surfactant-assisted hydrothermal route. The product was over 90% yield according to the amount of Pb(CH3CHOO)2 used. Experiments showed that the concentration of N-cetyl-N,N,N-trimethyl- ammonium bromide (CTAB) and thiourea (Tu), reaction time and sulfur sources played important roles in the formation of the PbS nanorods. A reasonable mechanism for the formation of the PbS nanorods is also discussed.