Self-template synthesis of PbS nanodendrites and its photocatalytic performance

Highlights: → PbS nanodendrites is synthesized without any additives. → Thiourea works as not only S source but also template agent. → PbS nanodendrites has good photocatalytic activity under visible irradiation. - Abstract: PbS nanodendrites were prepared by a simple hydrothermal process from Pb(NO3)2 and thiourea (NH2CSNH2) at 120 deg. C without any additives. The structure and morphology of obtained-samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of Pb and S source, the ratio of Pb/S or CTAB/EDA and pH value on the morphologies of the products were investigated. A possible formation mechanism of PbS nanocrystals was discussed based on their shape evolutions. The photocatalytic property of PbS dendrites was also investigated. It was found that the novel nanocrystals have high catalytic efficiency for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible irradiation.