Synthesis and characterization of β-PbO2 nanorods and Pb3O4 nanocrystallites

Phase-pure beta-PbO2 nanorods with diameter of 10-20 nm and length up to 400 nm with an aspect ratio >20 were synthesized through direct oxidation of Pb(Ac)(2) by NaClO under alkaline conditions. The obtained beta-PbO2 nanorods were then decomposed at 420 degreesC to produce Pb3O4 nanocrystals with crystallite size similar to20 nm. The reaction conditions were optimized on the basis of detailed investigations of the influences of reaction temperature, time 9 concentraion of NaClO, and pH on the products. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope were employed for the characterization of the structure, compositions and morphology of the obtained nanocrystalline products.