Preparation and characterization of PbO@C nanocomposites

Abstract

Lead oxide nanoparticles embedded carbon composites have been fabricated via the pyrolysis of Pb (NO3)2 impregnated starch gel under a N2 gas flow. The products were characterized by XRD, TGA, and TEM. The mass ratio between starch and Pb (NO3)2 greatly affected the final produts. The particle sizes of PbO decreased with the content of starch increased in the starting gel. Gel with mass ratio of 85:15 between starch and Pb (NO3)2 gave rise to well-dispered lead oxide nanoparticles with tubable size and narrow size distribution that embedded in the carbon matrix. The particle sizes were in the range of 9-15 nm. Varying the reaction temperature would change the form of lead oxide. Lead oxide in the products calcined at 1000°C was mainly β-PbO.