Determining the Structural Properties and Vibrational Modes of Annealed Lead Composite Material Deposit

Abstract

Techniques for effectively harnessing lead (Pb) deposits for optimum utilization have attracted a lot of research interest. Results obtained from investigating the elemental composition, vibrational modes, and structural properties of a fired Pb composite deposit, which was purified using an electric kiln furnace and further annealed in palladium‐diffused hydrogen ambient, are reported in the present study. Both atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis on the deposit indicate that the Pb composite is composed of crystal‐like morphology. The vibrational modes obtained from the material are identical to the Raman spectrum reported for PbSO4 (anglesite). Also, data acquired from the energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis of the annealed Pb composite material confirmed the presence of zinc (Zn), carbon (C), silicon (Si), sulfur (S), and oxygen (O) in the material. At the same time, Pb appeared to be the primary constituent with reference to its weight percentage composition compared to other elements. Using the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy technique, a slight shift in peak positions to higher wavenumbers was observed for most of the frequency bands in the FTIR spectrum compared to their position in the Raman spectrum. The cause of the shift in wavenumber is still subject to investigation but can be tentatively ascribed to be induced by factors such as a decrease in bond length because of modification in electronegativity of the atom or structural changes at the subatomic level. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra obtained from the sample showed overlapped weak emission bands which were observed in the ultraviolet (UV) and visible (VIS) region, while a small optical band gap of ∽ 0.1307 eV was extrapolated through the Tauc plot for the Pb composite material using a direct band gap transition approach. The findings from the present study may be vital for providing an improved understanding of the electronic and structural properties of the annealed Pb composite deposit, while promoting the development of a feasible approach for the recovery and recycling of Pb for future related applications.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.