How do you convert lead nitrate to metallic lead?

Answer 1

If you have a solution of Lead nitrate, place some zinc, or iron into it and the metals will displace.

Zn(s) + PbNO3(aq) → ZnNO3(aq) + Pb(s)

Any metal that is more reactive than lead, such as tin, nickel, iron, manganese, aluminum, magnesium, sodium, calcium, barium, potassium, lithium. That order is in order from least reactive to most reactive. Note that the more reactive it is the faster and more exothermic (heat produced) the reaction will be. I would personally use aluminum as you can get foil which is thin (large surface area) and much more reactive.

Answer 2

To convert lead nitrate to metallic lead, you would need to thermally decompose the lead nitrate in a reducing atmosphere. This can be achieved by heating the lead nitrate to a high temperature (above 600°C) while keeping it away from oxygen. The thermal decomposition will lead to the formation of metallic lead and other byproducts like nitrogen dioxide.