Structures and luminescence properties of PbWO4 microcrystals prepared by the microwave irradiation method

Lead tungstate (PbWO4) microcrystals with different morphologies have been synthesized via a facile microwave irradiation method, and their luminescence properties have been studied. The products were characterized by the techniques of powder X-ray diffraction pattern, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The cetyltrimethylammonium bromine and pH value were found to play important roles in the morphological control of PbWO4 microcrystals. A possible mechanism is proposed for the selective formation of the different morphologies. The luminescence properties of PbWO4 are very sensitive for its structure and crystallinity, and can be readily tuned by controlling some fundamental experimental parameters.