Synthesis of PbS nanocrystallites by electron beam irradiation

Lead sulfide (PbS) nanocrystallites have been successfully synthesized in situ by electron beam irradiating poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)–thioacetamide (C2H5NS)–isopropyl alcohol (IPA) aqueous solution that contains lead acetate (Pb(CH3COO)2·3H2O) with the absorbed dose of 350 kGy at room temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron micrograph (TEM), atomic force microscope, UV–vis absorption spectrum and photoluminescence (PL) spectrum are used to characterize the obtained product. A probable mechanism for the formation of nanocrystalline PbS particles is proposed.