PbS crystals with clover‐like structure: Preparation,characterization, optical properties and influencing factors

A new and simple route to synthesize Lead sulfide (PbS) crystals with the clover‐like structure was described in the current paper. PbS was prepared in a simple aqueous solution employing (CH₃COO)₂Pb and thiourea as the initial materials under 130 W microwave irradiation. No any surfactant or template including organic polyamines with N‐chelation property was needed. The phase and composition of the product were identified by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). TEM observation showed that the product with the six‐petal flower‐shaped structures was obtained, but SEM observation confirmed the clover‐like structure of the product; and the six‐petal flowers were formed via the overlap of two clovers revolved 60° around the center of the flower. Some factors affected the shape of the final product were studied and the optical properties of PbS crystals with the clover‐like structure were measured. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)