Synthesis of 3-D hierarchical dendrites of lead chalcogenides in large scale via microwave-assistant method

Hierarchical superstructures of lead chalcogenides (PbS, PbSe, and PbTe) have been fabricated in large scale via microwave-assistant method. The FESEM and HRTEM images showed that dendritic and six-armed PbS superstructures were constructed with prism-shaped branches which grew epitaxially from the backbone of PbS. Detailed experiments revealed that PbS microcrystals with different morphologies (cubes, six-pods, bugle-like dendrites, and six-armed dendrites) could be simply fabricated by adjusting the reaction conditions (initial concentration of precursors or sulfur source). The results implied that the formation of 3-D hierarchical structures was controlled by the kinetic conditions. In addition, the dendrites of PbSe and PbTe have also been fabricated by the assistance of appropriate reductive reagent in a similar method.