Synthesis of Lead Chalcogenide Alloy and Core–Shell Nanowires

Getting the grip on wires: Lead chalcogenide heterostructures, including alloy and core–shell nanowires were achieved by solution phase synthesis (see HRTEM image of a PbSe–PbTe core–shell nanowire). Structural control was gained by changing the growth parameters. The new heterostructures have a potential to provide better thermoelectric materials compared to the pure PbSe nanowires.