A novel method for the preparation of lead selenide: Pulse sonoelectrochemical synthesis of lead selenide nanoparticles

PbSe nanoparticles of about 12 nm in size have been prepared by a pulse sonoelectrochemical technique from an aqueous solution of sodium selenosulfate and lead acetate. The PbSe nanoparticles were characterized, using techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, absorption spectroscopy, diffuse reflection spectrum, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The effects of changing the various parameters on particle size were discussed, and possible explanations were offered. A band gap of 1.10 eV was estimated from optical measurement of the nanoparticles.