High yield synthesis of PbS nanocubes using one-step solid-state reaction in the presence of an anionic surfactant

PbS nanocubes have been synthesized by one-step solid-state reaction between Pb(DS)2 (DS: dodecylsulfate anion) and Na2S·9H2O. The nanocrystals were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Transmission electron microscopy, UV–vis absorption spectrum and X-ray photoelectron spectra. The research showed that the functionized surfactant lead dodecyl sulfate (LDS) played an important role in the formation of PbS nanocubes.