γ-radiation synthesis of the nanocrystalline semiconductors PbS and CuS

The nanocrystalline semiconductors PbS and CuS were prepared by gamma-irradiation at room temperature in an ethanol system for the first time. Carbon disulfide was used as the sulfur source; lead acetate and copper chloride were used as metal ion sources. X-ray Powder Diffraction was used to characterize the products and Transmission Electron Microscopy to determine their morphology. The purity and compositions of the products were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectra. The photoluminescence property of as-prepared PbS was studied. A blue shift was observed in the PL spectra, indicating the quantum size effect on nanocrystalline PbS. (C) 1999 Academic Press.