Synthesis and characterization of novel three-dimensional-cauliflower-like nanostructure of lead(II) oxalate and its thermal decomposition for preparation of PbO

We synthesized three-dimensional cauliflower-like lead(II) oxalate (PbC2O4) nanostructures by solvothermal method and then decomposed to nano-scaled lead(II) oxide (PbO) by thermal decomposition. The PbC2O4 was decomposed at 350–600 °C with releasing of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The experimental results indicate that acetaldehyde plays a unique role in controlling the morphologies of PbC2O4. The prepared products were characterized with XRD, SEM, EDS, TG and FT-IR spectroscopies.

Graphical abstractSynthesis of three-dimensional cauliflower-like lead(II) oxalate (PbC2O4) nanostructures by solvothermal method and thermal decomposition of this product for preparation of nano-scaled lead(II) oxide (PbO).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Cauliflower-like PbC2O4 nanostructures were prepared by solvothermal method. ► The effective agent on the morphology and shape of PbC2O4 is acetaldehyde. ► PbC2O4 nanostructures were converted to PbO by thermal decomposition.