A clear
understanding of the surface of nanocrystals informs our
views of nucleation and growth, and allows for tailored ligand exchanges
to meet target applications. PbS colloidal quantum dots are attractive
for infrared optoelectronic devices, but PbS nanocrystals made using
excess PbCl2 (PbS-eCl NCs) have found limited use, despite
showing advantageous ensemble properties. Here, we use 1D and 2D 1H NMR to determine that the native passivation of PbS-eCl
NCs involves bound oleylammonium. Then, by mapping the set of permissible
ligand exchanges, we uncover that the surface of these nanocrystals
matches the behavior of lead halide perovskites. Building on this
insight, we infer the ligand binding motif and perovskite-like atomic
structure that forms a thin, intrinsic shell on the PbS core. Indeed,
we show that two-dimensional L2PbCl4 (L = oleylammonium)
sheets are readily formed in the reaction mixture prior to the nucleation
of PbS-eCl NCs. Our structural model for the surface then allowed
us to develop techniques to improve nanocrystal purification, colloidal
stability, and the postsynthetic installation of X-type ligands. In
all, we show that the synthesis and surface of PbS-eCl NCs should
be treated differently compared to traditional PbS NCs prepared from
lead oleate, and highlight instead that ligand exchanges developed
for lead halide perovskites can translate to this infrared material.
The framework that we present for the manipulation of PbS-eCl NCs
in solution can advance their wider use in optoelectronic devices.