Synthesis of cross-shaped PbS nanostructures by a surfactant-assisted reflux process

Cross-shaped PbS crystals composed of six pods were prepared by a reflux process using CTAB as the surfactant. Parameters affecting the morphology of PbS have been investigated systematically. Results reveal that various PbS structures including cubic, truncated octahedral, flower-shaped and dendritic crystals can be obtained by changing the sulfur and lead source, the solvent or the surfactant. The difference of the morphology was explained to be closely related to the change of the relative growth rate in the 〈100〉 direction to that in the 〈111〉 direction.