Physicochemical characterization of PEG-modified PbO2 coatings electrodeposited from a methanesulfonate bath

This study explores the preparation and application of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified PbO2 electrodes. The PEG-modified PbO2 coatings were electrodeposited on a Ti/SnO2-Sb substrate from a methanesulfonate electrolytic bath containing different amounts of PEG. Structural and morphologic characterization was carried out for the deposited electrodes. The presence of PEG in the deposition bath represses the nucleation process and grain growth process in PbO2 deposition. Increasing PEG addition results in an increased alpha-PbO2 content and decreased crystallite size. At a limited PEG addition <= 4 g/L, a rough and pyramidal surface morphology is presented in the PbO2 coatings. A higher PEG addition at 6 g/L leads to a dense and smooth coating surface yet with less uniformity. Electrochemical characterization reveals a great electrocatalytic activity for the modified PbO2 electrodes when the PEG addition is <= 4 g/L.