Preparation and characterization of titanium based PbO₂ electrodes doped with some common elements

Four kinds of PbO₂ electrodes were prepared by electrochemical deposition and three of them were doped by Fe, Ni and Ag, respectively. The characters of the electrodes were analyzed by SEM, XRD, accelerated life tests, and linear scanning voltammetry. The results show that the electrode surfaces are covered by quadrangular β-PbO₂ crystals. The average grain sizes of the undoped PbO₂ electrode and Ni-doped PbO₂ electrode are similar and smaller than that of the Fe-doped PbO₂ and Ag-doped PbO₂ electrodes. The Fe-doped PbO₂ electrode has the longest accelerated test life due to its dense surface. The LSV tests show that the Ni-doped PbO₂ electrode possesses the highest oxygen evolution potential. From the phenol electrolysis, the Ni-doped PbO₂ electrode demonstrated the best performance in COD removal efficiency, average current efficiency, and energy consumption.