LixPbII1−2xMIIIxO (M = Al, Fe): A new solid solution series related to yellow PbO

New series of oxides, LixPb1−2xMxO (M = Al, Fe), for 0<x≤0.33 adopting the yellow PbO structure have been synthesized by solid state reaction of Li2CO3, Pb(NO3)2 and Al2O3/FeC2O4·2H2O in air at 650–680 °C. Optical absorption spectra reveal systematic increase/decrease of electronic band gap Eg for the Al/Fe members as compared to the parent yellow PbO. Partial deintercalation of lithium occurs under oxidative conditions (Br2/CH3CN) with both the series.