Shape-controlled synthesis of PbCrO4 micro/nanostructures and their luminescent properties

PbCrO4 with different morphologies have been synthesized via a facile sonochemical route from an aqueous solution of lead acetate and potassium dichromate in the presence of nitrilotriacetate acid (H3NTA). The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The pH and the concentration of complexing reagent were found to have close relation with morphology of the final product. The possible growth mechanism of PbCrO4 microcube has been proposed. UV-Vis spectra and room-temperature photoluminescence of the PbCrO4 micro/nanostructures have also been investigated. Results showed that all the samples possessed strong photoluminescence (PL) properties, suggesting that the micro/nanostructures could be used in novel optoelectronic devices.