Fast synthesis and morphology control of lead tungstate microcrystals via a microwave-assisted method

Lead tungstate (PbWO4) microcrystals with different morphologies, such as tetragonal flowerlike, amygdaloidal, and multiple-lamellar, have been successfully synthesized via a simple microwave-assisted method. Various factors, such as the pH value and the concentration of the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), play an important role in the morphological control of PbWO4 microcrystals. The products were characterized by the techniques of powder X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The possible formation mechanisms of PbWO4 samples of various morphologies were discussed. The luminescence properties of the final products were investigated and the as-prepared PbWO4 microcrystals showed special room-temperature photoluminescence intensity compared to the solid structures.