Controlled synthesis of PbS nanoparticles and the deposition of thin films by Aerosol-Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition (AACVD)

A series of symmetrical and unsymmetrical N,N- dialkyldithiocarbamatolead(ii) complexes with the general formula [Pb(S 2CNRR2)2] where R1 = Me, R 2 = benzyl (1), R1 = Me, R2 = heptyl (2), R1 = Me, R2 = octadecyl (3), R1 = R2 = dioctyl (4), R1 = Me, R2 = Hex (5), R1 = Me, R2 = Me (6), R1 = Et, R2 = Et (7), R 1 = nPr, and R2 = nPr (8) have been prepared and characterized. All these complexes were used as single source precursors to grow PbS nanoparticles by thermolysis in oleylamine at temperature as low as 60 °C; lower temperatures than previously used. Compounds (1)-(4) have also been used as precursors to deposit thin films of PbS by Aerosol-Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition (AACVD). The crystal structure of (1) has also been determined. © 2010 The Royal Society of Chemistry.