Preparation and characterization of nano-structured lead oxide from spent lead acid battery paste

► The citrate precursor synthesized in leaching process is Pb(C6H6O7)·H2O. ► Orthorhombic lead oxide, Pb and amorphous C are the major calcination products of the Pb(C6H6O7)·H2O in nitrogen gas. ► Nanostructured leady oxide powders are obtained at 370 °C for 20 min calcination in air.