Electrochemical and Corrosion Characterization of TiO2-RuO2/Ti Electrodes Modified with WO3

Abstract

DSA (dimensionally stable anodes)-type electrodes (TiO2-RuO2-WO3/Ti) were prepared by the thermal decomposition of proper metal precursor on titanium substrate. Electrochemical and corrosion characteristics of these electrodes were determined in [Fe(CN)6]3−/[Fe(CN)6]4− system and Na2SO4 solution with the application of cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The electrode active surface area and the activity towards oxygen evolution were evaluated. Moreover, corrosion resistance of the tested electrodes was estimated by determination of basic corrosion parameters. The introduction of WO3 into the oxide layer of the electrodes resulted in a decrease in electrode active surface area and in the number of active sites. The modified electrodes revealed lower activity towards OER but higher activity in organic oxidation. However, their stability was significantly higher in comparison with the non-modified electrode. Corrosion characteristics of the tested electrodes proved the highest corrosion resistance in the case of the electrode modified with 3% WO3. The modification of TiO2-RuO2/Ti with WO3 seems to be advantageous in the application in electrochemical and photoelectrochemical degradation of organic pollutants. [Figure not available: see fulltext.].