Synthesis of Lead(II) Carbonate-Containing Nanoparticles Using Ultrasonication or Microwave Irradiation

We report on the synthesis of lead­(II) carbonate-containing nanoparticles using the polyol process under high-energy ultrasound or microwave irradiation as alternate energization methods. Five carbonate source precursors are used in the reaction, and the precipitation reactions generate four different crystal products, depending on the precursor. More alkaline precursors produce the hydroxy-carbonate structures (abellaite, or its potassium analog, and hydrocerussite), while the less alkaline precursors produce the simple carbonate structure (cerussite). Ultrasonication or microwave irradiation during the arrested precipitation ensures the formation of nanoparticles