Electrosynthesis and performance of WC and Co3O4 co-doped α-PbO2 electrodes

Abstract

An α-PbO₂–WC(Co₃O₄) composite layer was successfully prepared on a lead-coated aluminum substrate by an anodic co-deposition method. The influence of particle concentration and stirring rate was investigated by an anodic polarization technique in the process of α-PbO₂ electrodeposition. The major physical and electrochemical properties of the prepared electrode were investigated. The surface morphology and crystal structure of the composite deposition layers were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The experimental data showed that the co-deposition of WC or Co₃O₄ particles can reduce the α-PbO₂ electrodeposition rate; however, the mechanism of α-PbO₂ electrodeposition is not changed. The oxygen evolution electrocatalytic activity of the composite anodes can be improved by doping WC or Co₃O₄ particles into the α-PbO₂ layer, and the corrosion resistance of the anode can be improved by the doped WC particles. The WC particles have the ability to refine the grains and prevent the agglomeration of Co₃O₄ particles, while the Co₃O₄ particles can change the preferred orientation of α-PbO₂.