Controlled self-assembly of PbS nanoparticles into macrostar-like hierarchical structures

Journal Article · Fri Jul 15 00:00:00 EDT 2011 · Materials Research Bulletin

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MATERRESBULL.2011.03.006· OSTI ID:22212203

Li, Guowei ^[1]; Li, Changsheng ^[1]; Tang, Hua; Cao, Kesheng; Chen, Juan ^[1]

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1. College of Material Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China)

Graphical abstract: The aggregation and rotation of nanoparticles to adopt parallel orientations in three dimensions was indirectly illustrated by TEM and HRTEM images. Highlights: {yields} Macrostar-like PbS hierarchical structures was successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method and mesostars were assembled from the PbS nanocube building blocks with edge lengths of about 100 nm. {yields} Ostwald-ripening-assisted oriented attachment is believed to play a key role in the growth behavior of novel 3D structures. {yields} Optical properties indicating few defects on the surface of the PbS structure and exhibit large blue-shifts compared to bulk PbS. -- Abstract: The synthesis of macrostar-like PbS hierarchical structures by a simple hydrothermal method at 180 {sup o}C for 24 h is proven successful with the assistance of a new surfactant called tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB). The as-obtained product is characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and selected area electron diffraction. The presence of TBAB and NaF plays an important role in the formation of PbS macrostructures. Ostwald-ripening-assisted oriented attachment is believed to play a key role in the growth behavior of novel 3D structures. As such, a possible self-assembly mechanism is proposed to explain the formation of the said structures. The present study aims to introduce new insights into understanding the formation process of such unique hierarchical superstructures.

• OSTI ID: 22212203
• Journal Information: Materials Research Bulletin, Vol. 46, Issue 7; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0025-5408
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
ELECTRON DIFFRACTION
FIELD EMISSION
HYDROTHERMAL SYNTHESIS
LEAD SULFIDES
NANOSTRUCTURES
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS
SURFACES
SURFACTANTS
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
X-RAY DIFFRACTION