Synthesis and characterization of high-quality PbI $$_{2}$$ 2 nanopowders from depleted SLA accumulator anode and cathode

High-quality lead iodide (PbI2) nanoparticles were synthesized from both anode and cathode of a discarded sealed lead-acid accumulator as starting materials. The structure, morphology, chemical composition and optical properties of washed PbI2 were investigated using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, photoluminescence and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. The XRD measurements indicated the presence of pure hexagonal PbI2 nanoparticles. Application of the Scherrer equation indicates crystal sizes between 13.703 and 14.320 nm. SEM indicated the presence of spherical particle agglomerations between 1.5 and 3.5 μm in diameter. The measured band gap using two methods was consistent at 2.75 eV. EDS results suggest the absence of impurities in the synthesized nanoparticles. The overall results suggest that discarded sealed lead-acid accumulators can source pure hexagonal-phase lead iodide nanoparticles with potential applications in perovskite solar cells. The novelty aspect is that this approach has not been previously reported.National Research Foundation NRF-DST innovation grant no. 94944, and the University of the Free State