THE PLATE MATERIALS OF THE LEAD-ACID CELL. PART 1. ANODIC OXIDATION OF THE BASIC SULFATES OF LEAD.

Abstract : The basic lead sulfates PbO . PbSO4, 3PbO . PbSO4 . H2O, and 4PbO . PbSO4 were prepared by reacting PbO and dilute H2SO4. The crystalline phases were identified by x-ray diffraction patterns, and electron microscope examination showed all three to be prismatic needles. The three basic sulfates were oxidized anodically in dilute H2SO4, and x-ray diffraction showed that each transformed to beta-PbO2. The pellet made from 4PbO . PbSO4 was mechanically strong, and the transformation to PbO2 was largely metasomatic after the original crystals of the basic sulfate. The three anodic preparations were examined in the electron microscope and showed the presence of prismatic and nodular particles of PbO2. (Author)