Study on the preparation, characterization, and electrocatalytic performance of Gd-doped PbO2 electrodes

In this work, Gd-doped PbO2 electrodes were prepared by electrodeposition procedure. In the accelerated life test, the service life of Gd-doped PbO2 electrodes are more stable and durable. Scanning electron microscope and x-ray diffraction tests reveal that Gd-doped PbO2 electrodes have more compact structure and finer grain size. Electrochemical measurements and fluorescence experiments show that Gd-doped PbO2 electrodes have higher oxygen evolution overpotential, a larger electrochemically active surface area, and stronger ability to generate hydroxyl radicals. The electrocatalytic performance of the Gd-doped PbO2 electrode for the electrochemical degradation of thiamethoxam was studied. The degradation process accorded with pseudo-first-order kinetics, with higher thiamethoxam and total organic carbon removal capabilities, as well as higher mineralization current efficiency and lower energy consumption. In the degradation process, it has favourable reusability. The experimental results demonstrate that Gd-doped PbO2 electrodes have an excellent treatment effect and a wider application prospect in the field of pollutant degradation.