Sonoelectrochemical synthesis of a new nano lead(II) complex with quinoline-2-carboxylic acid ligand: A precursor to produce pure phase nano-sized lead(II) oxide

A new lead complex, [Pb(Q)2] (1) (Q = quinoline-2-carboxylic acid), was prepared via conventional electrochemical method in a fast and facile process and fully characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, IR, UV spectroscopies and elemental analysis. The nano-structures of same compound were successfully prepared at 25, 48 and 60 °C by a facile and environment-friendly sonoelectrochemical route. The new nano-structure particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Thermal stability of single-crystal and nano-size samples of the prepared compound was studied by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis. The effect of sonoelectrochemical temperature on particle size has been investigated, and possible explanations offered. The photoluminescence properties of the nano-structured and crystalline bulk of the prepared complex at room temperature in the solid state have been investigated in detail. The results indicate that the size of the complex particles has an important effect on the optical properties of it. The prepared complexes, as bulk and as nano-particles, were utilized as a precursor for preparation of PbO nanoparticles by direct thermal decomposition at 600 °C in air. The nano-structures of PbO were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and IR spectroscopy.