An effective synthesis of crystalline Pb5(VO4)3OH nanorods

Abstract

Crystalline Pb5(VO4)3OH nanorods have been successfully synthesized with high efficiency using a new precipitation method. In addition, the effect of pH on the particle size and crystal morphology of the synthesized products was systematically investigated. The characterization of the products was made using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Electron microscopy (HRTEM, SEM) and Infrared Spectrum (FTIR). As the pH value of the reaction medium increased, nanoparticles with better crystallinity were obtained. Moreover, it was observed that irregular particle shapes at low pH values turned into nanorods at high pH. HRTEM photographs showed that the nanoparticles have a width between 37.2 nm and 89.2 nm, and a length between 112.7 nm and 250.5 nm. Thus, pH was found to be a key factor in controlling the properties of Pb5(VO4)3OH nanoparticles.