Synthesis of PbTe Nanoboxes Using a Solvothermal Technique

PbTe nanoboxes have been synthesized using a solvothermal route (see Figure). The experimental results show that both surfactant poly(ethylene glycol) and the volume ratio of ethanol to water play key roles in the formation of the nanoboxes. The contrast difference between the darker edges and lighter center indicate that the nanoboxes are hollow. The as-prepared PbTe nanoboxes are single crystals, and a possible formation mechanism is proposed.