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.