Synthesis of PbS in aqueous solutions by photochemical reactions

PbS is successfully synthesized in aqueous solutions by photochemical reactions. The solution contains Pb(CH3COO)2 and Na2S2O3, and pH is controlled in an acidic region by adding H2SO4. The solution is irradiated with light from a high-pressure mercury-arc lamp. The PbS particles formed by the homogeneous nucleation in the solution are micro-crystalline and have nearly stoichiometric composition. PbS thin films are also formed on a Pd-treated glass sheet by the heterogeneous nucleation.