Nanostructured PbSe Films Deposited by Spray Pyrolysis Using PbSe Colloidal Solutions

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Lead selenide (PbSe) is a semiconductor material with potential applications in optoelectronics.
• Traditional synthesis methods for PbSe films can involve complex or hazardous precursor chemistries.
• Developing simplified and environmentally friendly deposition techniques is crucial for scalable production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the spray pyrolysis deposition of PbSe films using colloidal dispersions.
• To explore the use of green polyols (glycerin, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol) in PbSe colloid synthesis.
• To characterize the structural, morphological, and optical properties of the resulting PbSe films.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of PbSe colloids via the alkahest approach using green polyols.
• Spray pyrolysis deposition of PbSe colloids onto glass substrates.
• Characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and optical spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Single-phase, rock-salt cubic PbSe powder with nanocrystals (16-30 nm) was obtained, free of amine or thiol groups.
• PbSe films contained impurity phases (PbSeO3, PbOxH2O); morphology showed self-assembled peanut-like microstructures and porous features.
• Optical properties exhibited exciton-like behavior, suggesting quantum effects in nanocrystals smaller than the Bohr radius.

Conclusions:

• Colloidal dispersions are an effective spray solution for PbSe film formation.
• The synthesis method simplifies the process by eliminating thiol and amine groups prior to deposition.
• The resulting PbSe films show promising optical characteristics for potential quantum-confined applications.