Hydrothermal synthesis of PbTe nanorods using different templates

Nanocrystalline PbTe has successfully been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions in the temperature range 125-165 degrees C for 24 h in presence of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), as template from the aqueous chemical routes using lead acetate, Pb(CH3COO)2 and sodium tellurite (Na2TeO3) as precursors and hydrazine hydrate (N2H4 x H2O) as the reductant. At lower temperature (125 degrees C), predominantly PbTe cubes are formed, where at higher temperature (165 degrees C), growth of nanorods of diameter 65 nm and length ranging in microns takes place. The possible mechanisms about the formation of PbTe have also been discussed. Raman studies on the nanorods of these samples also confirmed the purity of the product. The formation of PbTe nanorods is also observed when tartaric acid (TA) and ethylene diamine (EDA) have been used at templates at 165 degrees C for 24 h.