Abstract: PbS nanobelts were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method using lead nitrate, thioacetamide and dodecyl benzene sulfonate(SDBS) as raw materials. SDBS played a dual role as both the starting material and surfactant in the reaction. The as-prepared nanobelts were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The photoluminescence property of the nanobelts was also studied. It was concluded that the intermediate PbSO4 could act as a template for the growth of PbS nanobelts under hydrothermal conditions. The formation mechanism of nanobelts was further investigated. The results indicated that the intermediate PbSO4 could paly restriction effect on the surfactant(SDBS). When PbSO4 was replaced by other lead composite, the surfactant would lose its role and irregular micro-crystals were obtained consequently. The formation of nanobelts was readily controlled under a slow reaction speed. The result presented here may open an efficient way to synthesizing nanobelts with different morphologies.

Key words: micro-crystals, template effect, morphology control, lead sulfide nanobelts