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Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Combining Solid-state and Solution-based Techniques: Synthesis and Reactivity of Chalcogenidoplumbates(II or IV)
Published on: December 29, 2016
Formation of lead(IV) oxides from lead(II) compounds
Yin Wang1, Yanjiao Xie, Wenlu Li
1Department of Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering, Campus Box 1180, 1 Brookings Drive, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States.
Abstract:
Lead(IV) oxide (PbO(2)) is a corrosion product that can develop on lead pipes used for drinking water supply, and its stability can control lead concentrations in tap water. A set of batch experiments were performed to determine the extent of PbO(2) formation as a function of time, pH, the presence of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and free chlorine concentration. Experiments were conducted with four lead(II) compounds that are precursors of PbO(2) formation: dissolved lead(II) chloride, massicot (β-PbO), cerussite (PbCO(3)), and hydrocerussite (Pb(3)(OH)(2)(CO(3))(2)). While PbO(2) formed in the presence and absence of DIC, the presence of DIC accelerated PbO(2) formation and affected the identity of the PbO(2) (scrutinyite vs plattnerite) product. For some conditions, intermediate solids formed that affected the identity of the PbO(2) produced. When no intermediate solids formed, hydrocerussite led to the formation of pure scrutinyite, and lead(II) chloride and massicot led to mixtures of scrutinyite and plattnerite. Based on the experimental results, a conceptual model of lead(IV) oxide formation pathways was proposed.
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