Preparation and characterization of nanocrystalline PbSe in poly(acrylic acid-co-styrene)

The in situ reduction method was used to prepare nanocrystalline PbSe in a poly(acrylic acid-co-styrene) matrix. Metal precursor-doped polymer film wa s treated with selenium and reducing reagent (NaBH4) in ethylenediamine, le ading to the formation of assemblies of crystalline semiconductive PbSe in polymer. The preparation was done at room temperature and ambient pressure. X-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared, scanning el ectron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and ultraviolet-visibl e spectra were used to characterize the as-prepared materials. The key fact or for successful preparation of this composite was also discussed.