Theoretical study of starch as a novel substrate for PbS

Starch is a natural product that has been utilized in the green synthesis of metals and semiconductors. In addition, it can aid in obtaining products with higher purity. However, the interactions involved between the metals and starch have not been studied previously. Computations have been performed at the MP2/lanl2dz level of theory for systems of Pb/PbS and the principal components of starch: amylose and amylopectin. Results show there is a favorable interaction for both polysaccharides and Pb/PbS, opening a window of possibilities of producing other chalcogenides with starch as a substrate.