Synthesis of colloidal PbSe nanoparticles using a microwave-assisted segmented flow reactor

Colloidal lead selenide nanoparticles (PbSe NPs) were synthesized using a microwave-assisted continuous flow reactor. Rapid heating of precursors was performed in the microwave reaction zone to initiate nucleation and was followed by an oil bath growth zone. In this study we have evaluated the effect of the nucleation temperature on the PbSe NP size distributions, crystallographic structure, particle shape, and particle composition. The PbSe NP size could be varied from 11.2 to 13.9 nm by adjusting the microwave nucleation temperature between 124 and 159 °C. It was found that nucleation of Pb rich species occurred in the microwave reaction zone, while PbSe NPs form in the growth zone.