Synthesis of PbS microcrystals via a hydrothermal process

PbS microcrystals including dendrites, multipods, flowers and cubes were prepared by the reaction of Pb(NO3)2 or Pb(CH3COO)2 and thiourea (NH2CSNH2) with acrylamide (AA) as surfactant through a simple hydrothermal process. The samples are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Uniform PbS crystals were obtained at the temperature of 130–160 °C. It is found that thiourea, acrylamide and reaction temperature play important roles in the shape evolutions of PbS microcrystals. A possible formation mechanism of PbS microcrystals was discussed based on their shape evolutions.

Graphical AbstractPbS microcrystals including dendrites, multipods, flowers and cubes were produced by the reaction of easy-obtained reactants (dissoluble lead salt and thiourea) using a simple hydrothermal process. It has been found that thiourea, acrylamide, reaction temperature, and solvents play important roles in the formation of varied shapes of PbS microcrystals. A possible growth mechanism has been discussed.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide