Modified TiO2 coatings for cathodic protection applications

A bilayered electrode bearing the configuration SnO2|TiO2 over a substrate like transparent conducting Indium Tin Oxide coated glass was found to store the charge accumulated during ultraviolet illumination. Photogenerated electrons from TiO2 are transferred to SnO2 that store the excess charge via cation intercalation. A red shift in the absorbance of the coating was observed due to the reduction of the valence state of Sn during charging and a high capacitance in the bilayer electrode was detected by ac impedance measurements. The charge storage property of SnO2|TiO2 electrode makes it a candidate material to be used as an anode for improved photocathodic protection of metals and/or steels.