A simple method to synthesize PbE (E = S, SE) nanocrystals

A convenient hydrothermal elemental direction route has been proposed to the direct preparation of nanocrystalline IV-VI semiconductor PbE (E = S, Se). It was found that the reaction temperature is a key factor influencing the phase purity of the titled compounds. A possible mechanism for the formation of the target products was investigated. Photoluminescence of the as-synthesized PbS nanocrystals has a large blue shift compared to that of bulk counterpart. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.