Blog Post Image: Unexpected Water Explains Surface Chemistry of Nanocrystals

In the multistep process for building up the (111) facets of PbS nanocrystals: A) lead-oleate and water precursors approach nonpolar and stoichiometric facets; B) Pb ions bind to surface; C) one of two oleates in each precursor complex is removed and water dissociates to provide a hydroxyl group to surface; and D)desorbed OAH molecules dimerize in solvent. Image courtesy of Wang group, Berkeley Lab (Click image to enlarge)