Morphology control and photovoltaic application of solvothermally synthesized PbS nanostructures

Abstract PbS nanostructures are synthesized using solvothermal method. Here, EDTA is employed as a chelating agent and PEG–PPG–PEG polymer as a structure directing surfactant. The possible factors behind the formation of nanostructures of various morphologies are explained. Crystalline quality is improved when EDTA is employed in the growth. In the Raman spectra, overtones of the longitudinal optical (LO) phonon peaks are observed. In the I – V characteristics of the photovoltaic devices, both open circuit voltage and short circuit current were improved as compared to the earlier devices made by using a similar mechanical pressing method with PbS nanowires.