β-PbO micro-octahedrons synthesized by electrochemical reduction

We developed a simple and effective method to fabricate lead oxide micro-octahedrons by electrode-position with higher current density. The electrolyte was lead nitrate aqueous solution containing some drops of concentrated hydrochloric acid. Stainless steel plate was employed as both cathode and substrate, and graphite plate as anode. The controlled current that was supplied by a direct current power supply passed through the electrolyte to deposit lead oxide micro-octahedrons on the surface of stainless steel at room temperature and was enhanced to more than 15 mA/cm(2). The obtained deposits on cathodic substrate mainly are lead oxide regular octahedrons, which morphology and structure are confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The formation of lead oxide micro-octahedrons was affected significantly by the reduction current density. Our results indicated that well-shaped lead oxide micro-octahedrons could be formation at current densities in the range of 15-25 mA/cm(2).