Interfacial synthesis of pyramidal lead sulfide crystallites with high energy {3 3 1} facets

Single crystals of PbS in the form pyramids with a high proportion of high energy {3 3 1} faces are obtained by the use of a novel reaction technique at the interface of water and toluene. The pyramids spontaneously form a monolayer spread across the entire water–toluene interface. The influence of deposition parameters such as temperature, solution concentration, reaction time on the nature and properties of interfacial films are studied. In addition, the effect of solvo-static parameters such as column height and interfacial area are investigated. The obtained films are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM).

Graphical abstractSingle crystals of PbS in the form pyramids with a high proportion of high energy {3 3 1} faces are 24 obtained by the use of a novel reaction technique at the interface of water and toluene. The pyramids 25 spontaneously form a monolayer spread across the entire water–toluene interface.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (82 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Nanoscopic single-crystalline pyramids of PbS are obtained by deposition at the water–oil interface. ► The pyramids have a high proportion of high energy {331} faces. ► Deposition parameters strongly influence the form of the product.