A novel and simple one-step solid-state reaction for the synthesis of PbS nanoparticles in the presence of a suitable surfactant

A novel and simple one-step solid-state reaction in the presence of a suitable surfactant has been developed. We have synthesized PbS nanoparticles with the diameters of ca. 10–15 nm by using this method. The PbS nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), UV-VIS optical absorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS). The roles of surfactant C18H37O(CH2CH2O)10H (abbreviated as C18EO10) in the forming of PbS nanoparticles were discussed, and the results indicated that the surfactant C18EO10 played an important role in the preparation of PbS nanoparticles.