Synthesis and characterization of PbS nanocrystallites in random copolymer ionomers

Poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) lead(II) salt ionomer [P(MMA-co-MAA)-Pb-II] has been prepared by the exchange re action of poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) with lead(II) acetate. PbS nanoparticles were synthesized by treating the [P(MMA-co-MAA)-Pb-II] powder with H2S. The average PbS particle size was estimated to be similar to 1-10 nm, depending on the preparation conditions. The particle size was found to increase with the increasing concentration of the carboxylic-lead(II) salt group content. Fourier transform infrared, UV-vis, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry techniques were employed to study the size, interfacial structure, and thermal properties of the PbS nanocrystals in the copolymer matrix.