Aqueous-Phase Synthesis of Size-Tunable PbSe Nanocubes at Room Temperature for Optical Property Characterization.

A simple aqueous-phase synthesis of PbSe nanocubes with tunable sizes has been developed by first preparing a Na SeSO stock solution through dissolution of selenium powder in a solution of Na SO at 90-100 °C for 30 min, and adding part of this solution to a mixture of lead acetate and acetic acid at room temperature with stirring for only 5-8 min to complete the nanocrystal growth. Adjusting the volume of acetic acid and Na SeSO solution added enabled the size of the nanocrystals to be tuned, with average edge lengths of 13 to 121 nm attained. Changes in solution color revealed very different crystal growth rates for the 13 and 121 nm nanocubes.