In this study, ultra-fine lead oxide, lead carbonate and lead hydroxyl carbonate particles were synthesized and modified by a surface sulphidization route to form a sulphide surface layer which is interesting in electronic and optoelectronic device as well as vacuum tribological applications. All the samples were characterized using XRD and nitrogen adsorption/desorption techniques to obtain information on the crystal structure and the specific surface area of the samples. The surface physical-chemical properties of the samples were studied by potentiometric titration, adsorption of xanthate, and measurements of contact angles and zeta potentials. The sulphidization mechanisms of xanthate for various lead oxide samples were also discussed.