Synthesis of SnO2-Sb(5%)-Gd(2%) Anodes at Different Calcination Temperatures and Its Effect On Phenol Electrooxidation Process

Abstract

Ti/SnO2-Sb(5%)-Gd(2%) anodes were synthesized by the Pechini method with different calcination temperatures (specifically, 500, 600 or 700°C). The anodes obtained were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The electrocatalytic property of the anodes as a function of the calcination temperature was evaluated by assessing the electrooxidation of phenol at a constant potential. The phenol degradation was followed by UV-Vis spectroscopy in relation to the time of electrolysis. The results show that the applied calcination temperatures induce variations in the morphology (the surface roughness), the Tafel slope for the oxygen evolution reaction and the electrocatalytic activity of the examined anodes. In particular, Ti/SnO2-Sb(5%)-Gd(2%) anodes that were calcined at temperatures below 700°C are more effective for the degradation of phenol, whereas calcination temperature of 700°C produce anodes with low performance for the removal of phenol.