Abstract: Using a BSA monolayer as organic template, single oriented PbS crystals were prepared at the gas-liquid interface in the presence of kinetically controlled ammonia diffusion to promote hydrolysis of thiacetamide in the precursor solution. The crystals were characterized by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS), respectively. The results show that the crystals exhibit a regular square morphology and have a uniform size distribution. The crystals growing along the (200) plane have a single crystalline structure. The electrostatic interaction and the geometrical matching between the BSA molecules and Pb2+ ions are the main reason for the oriented growth along the (200) plane. This method provides a potential approach for growing inorganic crystals with special structural features.

Key words: BSA monolayer, ammonia diffusion, PbS single crystal, biomimetic mineralization