"Lead Oxide" is a collective term used to describe inorganic compounds that contain Lead (Pb) and Oxygen (O). Lead monoxide (PbO – or "litharge") and Lead tetroxide (Pb3O4 or "red lead") are some common examples of Lead oxides. Different types of lead oxides are used for various applications.
Among them, Lead monoxide (PbO) is the most widely studied and used. It's an essential chemical building block in paints, pigments, lead-acid batteries, gas sensors, and ceramics. Lead oxides are also used in the manufacture of semiconductors.
Let's explore the most significant applications of this group of inorganic compounds.
Storage Batteries
Lead oxides are used to manufacture lead-acid batteries. It's used to make electrodes, anodes, and cathodes. The international lead-acid battery market is worth $40 billion—the telecommunication sector and the data center industry demand cost-effective battery storage solutions.
Lead-acid batteries offer the best solution because they're perfectly functional even in extreme temperature conditions. These batteries are easy to manufacture, have an excellent track record of success, and are incredibly safe. These advantages of lead-acid batteries make them extremely popular.
The most common application of lead oxides is for designing batteries. Mainly Lead monoxide (PbO) and Lead tetroxide (Pb3O4) are used to create the charge-discharge cycles in modern-day and stationary batteries.
Sensors
Lead nanoparticles are produced from Hydro-Cerussite [Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2] using microwave irradiation techniques. These nanoparticles are used to manufacture volatile organic gas (VOC) sensors. Miners, construction workers, etc., use these sensors to track the presence of VOCs on worksites.
Efficient VOC detection is critical for maintaining safety at mines or underground construction sites. Without Lead oxides, manufacturing these life-saving sensors would be impossible.
Pigments
Red lead (Pb3O4) is used to manufacture ferrous metal protective paints. Lead monoxide, also known as litharge, is a bright yellow material used to produce yellow pigments. Colours that contain lead-based pigments are typically used in large-scale construction projects (e.g., road construction, shipbuilding, etc.).
These paints are not safe for residential use. However, their antibacterial, anti-algae, and anti-corrosion features are ideal for commercial paint jobs.
Glass
Glass crystals can become denser if fused with lead oxide. That's why leaded glass crystals manufacture TV screens and tubes. 24% to 28% of lead oxide in TV tubes helps reduce harmful radiation. The refractive index of glass is enhanced when fused with lead oxides.
That's why lead oxides are commonly used in the production of X-ray protection glasses, special optical glasses, etc. Lead oxide coatings also enhance the tear-resistance of glass products.
Stabiliser
The stabilising nature of Lead stabilisers is used in medical-grade polyvinylchloride (PVC) processing. They protect PVC resins against high temperatures. They also improve the thermal stability of medical-grade PVC products. Lead stabilisers also give PVC products UV and electrical resistance properties.
Ceramics
Lead oxide is an essential modifier of ceramics products. It improves the chemical and mechanical stabilities of ceramics products. Lead oxides also improve ceramics products' thermal and optical features like tiles, bricks, and cement.
Anticancer and Antimicrobial Drugs
Lead oxide nanoparticles are used to synthesise various anticancer and antimicrobial drugs. These nanoparticles have antioxidative features. They are used to eliminate "free radicals" in the bloodstream. That's why lead oxide nanoparticles in anticancer drugs are an up-and-coming prospect. Nanoparticles of Lead monoxide (PbO) nanoparticles are currently used to manufacture many antibacterial and anticancer drugs.
Lead oxide nanoparticles are essential for various critical industries. But they're also toxic. So, they must always be bought and handled with extreme precaution.
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