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Selective electrocatalysis of anodic oxygen-transfer reactions at chemically modified, thin-film lead dioxide electrodes

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6974822· OSTI ID:6974822

The strategy to modify PbO{sub 2} electrodes for electrocatalysis of oxygen-transfer (O-t) reactions is to incorporate spatially separated catalytic sites into the PbO{sub 2} surface. The rate of OH radical formation is promoted at these sites, as is the rate of the O-t reaction, for the latter was demonstrated to be proportional to the former. Chemically modified PbO{sub 2} is electrodeposited by addition of Bi{sup 3+}, As(III), or Cl{sup {minus}} to the Pb{sup 2+} plating bath. The electrochemical stability and catalytic activity of the Bi-doped PbO{sub 2} (Bi-PbO{sub 2}) increase with increased Bi/Pb atomic ratio in the mixed oxide which were determined with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Microcracked, ultra-thin films of Bi-PbO{sub 2} were found at Au, Pt, GC, and Ti electrodes after consecutive deposition and stripping of the thick oxide films. The surface of pure PbO{sub 2} can be modified by Bi{sup 3+}, As(V), and Cl{sup {minus}} by electroadsorption. The adsorption method to modify PbO{sub 2} is fast and efficient for screening new catalysts. An O-t mediation mechanism was proposed for the electrocatalysis observed at the chemically modified PbO{sub 2}. 31 refs., 12 figs.

Research Organization:
Ames Lab., IA (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/ER
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-82
OSTI ID:
6974822
Report Number(s):
IS-T-1437; ON: DE90011747
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English