PbTe nanostructures: Microwave-assisted synthesis by using lead Schiff-base precursor, characterization and formation mechanism

Pure cubic phase lead telluride (PbTe) nanostructures have been produced by using a Schiff-base complex as a precursor in the presence of microwave irradiation. The Schiff base used as ligand was derived from salicylaldehyde and ethylenediamine. The Schiff-base complex was marked as [Pb(salen)]. In addition, the effect of the irradiation time and the type of reducing agent on the morphology and purity of the final products was investigated. The as-synthesized PbTe nanostructures were characterized extensively by techniques like X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The microwave formation mechanism of the PbTe nanostructures was studied by XRD patterns of the products. Although it was found that both ionic and atomic mechanisms could take place for the preparation of PbTe, the main steps were according to the atomic reaction process, which could occur between elemental Pb and Te.