Ligand Exchange for Potential Pb-Doping of ZnS Nanocrystals

Solar energy production is a viable solution for the demand of energy sources stemming from population growth. Photocatalytic water splitting yields H2(g), a storable and environmentally friendly fuel source, by utilizing solar energy. We are developing lead (Pb)-doped zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanocrystals as functional photocatalysts. However, controlled doping of ZnS with Pb is difficult due to the relative size of Pb compared to ZnS. Our research is currently developing a method for Pb-doping, starting with ligand exchange. We hypothesize that modification of a procedure developed by Calzada et al., the native surface ligands of the nanocrystals will be replaced with glucosamine ligands, which have been shown to facilitate the transfer of Pb out of aqueous solution into the ZnS nanocrystals.https://encompass.eku.edu/swps_undergraduategallery/1171/thumbnail.jp