Studies on the thermal decomposition of basic lead(II) carbonate by Fourier-transform Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis

Abstract

The thermal decomposition of basic lead(II) carbonate 2PbCO₃·Pb(OH)₂ in static air under atmospheric conditions has been studied for the first time using a combination of thermoanalytical, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopic techniques. New intermediate compounds of the type 4PbCO₃·3PbO and PbCO₃ have been observed in addition to previously reported ones of the type 2PbCO₃·PbO, PbCO₃·PbO and PbCO₃·2PbO. Post-decomposition studies have identified the presence of the tetragonal-to-orthorhombic phase transition in PbO. Results are also presented for the decomposition processes in nitrogen and oxygen atmospheres. Oxidative decomposition studies have shown that Pb₃O₄ forms in oxygen and in flowing air.