Synthesis and characterization of PbS nanocrystallites in random copolymerionomers

Poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) lead(II) salt ionomer [P(MMA- co-MAA)-Pb-II] has been prepared by the exchange re action of poly(methyl m ethacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) with lead(II) acetate. PbS nanoparticles w ere synthesized by treating the [P(MMA-co-MAA)-Pb-II] powder with H2S. The average PbS particle size was estimated to be similar to 1-10 nm, depending on the preparation conditions. The particle size was found to increase wit h the increasing concentration of the carboxylic-lead(II) salt group conten t. Fourier transform infrared, UV-vis, X-ray diffraction, transmission elec tron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry techniques were empl oyed to study the size, interfacial structure, and thermal properties of th e PbS nanocrystals in the copolymer matrix.