Structure and properties of PbS-polyacrylamide nanocomposites

A synthetic procedure for the incorporation of PbS nanoparticles in a polyacrylamide (PAM) matrix is introduced. The method is based on the simultaneous polymerization of the monomer and thermal decomposition of the dithiooxamide-lead complex. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the PbS nanoparticles have a sphalerite crystal structure (galena). A transmission electron micrograph showed spherical particles, with an average diameter of about 3 nm, well dispersed in the polymer matrix. Although a sharp edge was not observed, the optical absorption of the PAM-PbS nanocomposite is shifted towards lower wavelengths compared to the bulk PbS. It was also found that, despite a low concentration of the inorganic phase, the nanoparticles significantly affect the thermal properties of the matrix.