In situ synthesis and characterization of lead sulfide nanocrystallites in the modified hyperbranched polyester by gamma-ray irradiation

Lead sulfide (PbS) nanocrystallites in the modified hyperbranched polyester matrix were prepared in situ by 60Co gamma-ray irradiation with sodium thiosulfate at room temperature, and characterized with Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and photoluminescence (PL). The average diameter of PbS nanocrystallites was estimated to be 7.8 nm on the basis of analysis of the TEM image and dispersed homogeneously within the modified hyperbranched polyester matrix. The possible formation mechanism of the PbS nanocrystallites under irradiation was discussed.