Sonochemical synthesis of mass single-crystal PbS nanobelts

Based on sonochemical technique, large-scale PbS nanobelts are successfully synthesized in the mixed solution of PbCl2 and Na2S2O3. These nanobelts are characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electronic diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and high-resolution TEM. The as-synthesized PbS nanobelts have width of about 80 nm, length up to several millimeters, and width-to-thickness ratio of about 5. In addition, the growth mechanism of PbS nanobelts is suggested.