PbO2-SnO2 composite anode with interconnected structure for the electrochemical incineration of phenol

A PbO₂-SnO₂ composite anode with interconnected structure is prepared for organics electro-incineration through a two-step method, thermal-decomposition process and subsequent low-current density electrodeposition process. The element mapping, together with the impedance spectra of the composite electrode, confirms that an interconnected architecture of SnO₂ and PbO₂ grains, instead of a lamellar structure, was obtained on the Ti substrate. A lower electrodeposition current density (≤10 mA cm⁻²) is very crucial for the formation of a porous surface and an interconnected architecture of two oxides inside. The asprepared electrode exhibits an enhanced electrocatalytic activity on the mineralization of phenol and a long service life due to the interconnected architecture, which helps to utilize the merits of these two metal oxides simultaneously. This two-step method also provides us a novel and facile way to fabricate a series of composite material such as oxide-oxide, oxide-metal composite electrodes.