A novel CF/Ti/β-PbO2 composite anode for zinc electrowinning: preparation, electrochemical properties and application

Abstract

Ti and β-PbO₂ coatings were successfully deposited on carbon fiber substrates by thermal decomposition and electrodeposition, and the electrochemical properties of CF/Ti/β-PbO₂ composite anodes were studied in detail. The properties of titanium metal were studied via the pyrolysis of titanium hydride, and the effects of different temperatures and titanium hydride contents on carbon fiber–titanium composites as matrix materials were studied. The Ti interlayer exhibited excellent catalytic activity and electrical conductivity. The Ti interlayer plays a very important role in improving the stability of the PbO₂ coating and the corrosion resistance of the CF/Ti/β-PbO₂ composite anode. In comparison with the traditional lead–silver alloy anode, its electrolysis current efficiency increased by 14.92%. The corrosion rate of the CF/Ti/β-PbO₂ composite anode was only 1/60 of that of the Pb–Ag anode, while its service life was 3.32 times that of the Pb–Ag anode, and 22.91 kW h per ton can be saved when electrolyzing zinc.