Shape controlled synthesis of PbS nanocrystals by a solvothermal–microemulsion approach

Shape controlled synthesis of PbS nanoparticles, cubes, and nanowires has been realized by a so-called solvothermal–microemulsion technique in a sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)/hexane/hexanol/water microemulsion system using different sulfur source. The effect of different sulfur source and temperature on the shape of PbS nanocrystallites was investigated. The results demonstrated that the combination of solvothermal process and microemulsion technique could provide a useful tool for the synthesis of other nanocrysals with unusual shape and structures.