Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic monitoring of sol–gel process in synthesis of PbS–TiO2 hybrid nanostructures

A typical hybrid nanostructure was prepared consisting of lead sulfide (PbS) nano-crystals, embedded in titanium oxide (TiO2) using sol–gel method. The synthesis procedure was monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Spectroscopic investigations indicated that PbS nano-crystals are embedded in the TiO2 matrix with no strong Ti–O–Pb–S bonding. The size of PbS hybrid nanostructures decreased with diminishing lead and sulfur mole concentrations. The smallest size of NCs has been obtained in 10% of mole concentration (30–45 nm particle size for the hybrid nanostructure). The morphology and microstructure of the nano hybrid was investigated by scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction.