PbS microcrystals with a magic‐square‐like structure prepared by a simple hydrothermal method

PbS microcrystals with a magic‐square‐shaped structure were successfully fabricated via a simple hydrothermal route, employing (CH₃COO)₂Pb and Na₂S₂O₃ as the lead and sulfur source without the assistance of any surfactant or template. S₂O₃^2‐ ions acted not only a supplier of S^2‐ ions but also a coordinating reagent. The formation of the above morphology was the direct result of the coordination between thiosulfate ions and lead ions. Researches indicated that the different synthetic approach could influence the morphology of the final product. A possible formation mechanism was suggested. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)