Lead sulfide has been grown from single molecular precursors within a polymer matrix to form networks of PbS nanocrystals. These materials are model systems for the processing of polymer-nanoparticle layers for flexible hybrid photovoltaic devices. Processing is achieved by spin coating a solution containing the precursor and polymer on to a substrate, followed by heating of the film to decompose the precursor. The effect of precursor chemistry has been explored using: lead(II) dithiocarbamates, their 1,10-phen adducts, and lead(II) xanthates with different alkyl chain lengths (butyl, hexyl, and octyl). The xanthates were found to be more promising precursors giving control over nanocrystal size and shape on variation of the alkyl chain length. The lead(II) octyl xanthate complex causes anisotropic growth, forming PbS nanowires within the polymer matrix.