Electrosynthesis and characterization of lead oxide thin films

Lead dioxide (PbO2) is an important oxide material used extensively as anode material in batteries and fuel cells and its study has now taken new strides beyond the wide field of battery research. In the present study, lead dioxide films were electrodeposited onto precleaned copper substrate from nitrate baths. The film composition, morphology and structure were investigated using Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX), scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. The oxidation and reduction potential regions and the mechanism of lead dioxide film formation are discussed using cyclic voltammetry studies. X-ray diffraction results revealed tetragonal [α-PbO2 + β-PbO2] structures of the films which are influenced by bath temperature and solution pH value. EDAX studies show that the films deposited at higher bath temperatures and low solution pH values are rich in lead content and low in oxygen content. The effects of bath temperature and solution pH on the morphological features of lead dioxide films are also described.