Facile preparation of PbO2 electrode for the electrochemical inactivation of microorganisms

The electrochemical inactivation of microorganisms using Escherichia coli as testing species by a novel PbO2 electrode was investigated. The PbO2 electrode was constructed by electrochemical deposition of PbO2 on the treated Ti substrate in the fluorine (F) doped ionic liquids/water (ILs/H2O) two phase solution. Then, it was characterized by XRD and SEM analysis. Further investigation showed that the crystal size of electrodeposited PbO2 became smaller with the increase of ILs concentration in the electrolyte solution. The small crystal size favored to the generation of the absorbable OHOH on the electrode surface, which was proved to play a key role during the disinfection process. TEM investigation revealed the morphological change of the E. coli cells during the bactericidal process.