Study of Pb(II) effect on electrosynthesis of lead dioxide in more environmentally electrolyte of methanesulfonic acid

Abstract

Lead dioxide has received much attention as an electrode material for its high resistance to corrosion, high electronic conductivity, good stability, long lifetime, and low cost. However, problems still exist concerning the selection of the electrolyte during electrodeposition, which may cause issues in energy conservation and environmental protection. The present study utilized the environmentally friendly electrolyte methanesulonic acid (MSA) and evaluated the effect of the Pb(II) concentration on the electrodeposition of lead dioxide in MSA using rotating disk electrode (RDE) voltammetry to determine the most suitable composition of the electrodeposition bath and to realize an environmentally and energy friendly process. We adequately characterised PbO2 synthesized on a Pt electrode surface, and the results showed that the Pb(II) concentration had a great influence on the electrodeposition of lead dioxide in MSA. By controlling the composition of the electrodeposition bath to 0.2 M Pb(II) and 0.1 M MSA, we obtained an optimal reversible process, longer electrode lifetime and more satisfactory environmental protection.