Mechanochemical room-temperature lead reduction: Elucidating the mechanism from structural evolution and electrochemical insights

Mechanochemistry has rapidly advanced as an effective method for recovering metals from hazardous wastes due to its mild reaction conditions, while understanding the underlying mechanisms remains a significant challenge. This work investigates the mechanochemical reduction of lead compounds using iron powder at room temperature , focusing on physicochemical properties and electrochemical performance. Notable transformations were observed in the crystal structures, morphologies, and thermal stability of PbSO 4 and PbCl 2 . Electrochemical tests indicated enhanced redox reactivity, decreased reduction potential, and reduced charge transfer impedance after mechanochemical treatment . Additionally, the reduction of PbSO 4 proved more challenging than PbCl 2 under the same conditions. Our findings provide valuable insights into the management of toxic lead waste and improve the understanding of the mechanochemical effects on redox reactions , with important implications for environmental applications.