Room temperature PbS nanoparticle growth, incubation in porous TiO2 electrode for photosensitization application

We have reported the synthesis of PbS nanoparticles using a layer-by-layer ionic adsorption and reaction method at room temperature. The structural, morphological, optical, electrical and wettability properties were characterized. PbS nanoparticles were found to be oriented along the (2 0 0) plane. These PbS nanoparticles were incubated in porous spin coated TiO2 films of ∼1 μm thickness using the SILAR method. A change in surface wettability in terms of surface water contact angle measurement was not observed. This confirms the insertion of PbS nanopartcles into porous TiO2. Finally, photosensitization of the PbS incubated in porous TiO2 electrode in sodium sulfide electrolyte (80 mW/cm2 light intensity) was studied.