Novel phosphorus-doped PbO2–MnO2 bicontinuous electrodes for oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

We report a facile electrochemical approach for the fabrication of phosphorus-doped (P-doped) PbO₂–MnO₂ composite electrodes with a microporous bicontinuous structure. Modification of such structures was achieved by controlling the MnO₂ incorporation during an anodic co-deposition process. The results indicate the anodic co-oxidation of Pb²⁺ and Mn²⁺ yielded a P–(PbO₂–MnO₂) deposit with a flat, compact and smooth surface. Meanwhile, the anodic composite deposition of Pb²⁺ and MnO₂ particles resulted in the bicontinuous (P–PbO₂)–MnO₂ composite with a well-defined microporous morphology. Tafel and EIS were used to characterize their electrocatalytic performances for the oxygen evolution reaction in a typical anodic water-splitting process. The results indicate that such a novel bicontinuous (P–PbO₂)–MnO₂ composite anode exhibits significantly improved electrocatalytic activity as compared to the P–PbO₂ and P–(PbO₂–MnO₂) anodes. The oxygen evolution kinetics and possible reaction mechanism are further described.