Preparation of Ti/PbO2–Sn anodes for electrochemical degradation of phenol

The novel Sn-doped Ti/PbO2 (Ti/PbO2–Sn) anodes have been prepared by cathodic deposition and anodization processes. The effect of Sn content on the structure and electrocatalytic performance of Ti/PbO2–Sn anodes has been studied. The surface coating structure and composition of the anodes were characterized by SEM, EDX and XRD. The results reveal that a limited amount of doping Sn can improve the coating structure of the PbO2 layer, and an over-doping of Sn has an adverse effect on the coating structure and crystallinity of β-PbO2. Linear polarization curves analysis shows that the novel Ti/PbO2–Sn anodes have higher oxygen evolution overpotential when compared to pure Ti/PbO2 electrode. The performance of electrodes for the electrochemical degradation of a model pollutant (phenol) was enhanced using the Ti/PbO2–Sn anode. The effects of current density, initial pH and supporting electrolyte on the electrochemical degradation of phenol by Ti/PbO2–Sn electrode were investigated.

► Effect of Sn content on structure and electrocatalytic performance of anodes is studied.
► A limited amount of doping Sn can improve the coating structure of the PbO2 layer.
► The Ti/PbO2–Sn anodes exhibit high electrochemical oxidation performance.
► Ti/PbO2–3.5%Sn anode has the highest electrochemical activity for phenol oxidation.