Silver bridging TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) bases and PbO2 active layers to accelerate electron transfer over PbO2/SnO2-Sb/TNTs-Ag/Ti anode for efficient organic pollutants removal

Abstract

In this work, excellent conductor element Ag was employed to bridge TiO₂ nanotubes (TNTs) and PbO₂ to construct an “expressway” for rapid electron transfer between the bases and active layers over the fabricated PbO₂/SnO₂-Sb/TNTs-Ag/Ti anode. Physicochemical characterizations reveal that elemental Ag can fill into the gaps between the TNTs, thus stabilizing structure and improving conductivity of the anode. Electrochemical and accelerated lifetime tests show the expanded reaction area (0.049–0.173 cm²), decreased charge transfer resistance (42.32–4.03 Ω cm⁻²), and prolonged lifetime (0.29–6.28 years). Furthermore, relatively higher average current efficiency (ACE) and less energy consumption (E_sp) can be achieved during electrochemical oxidation of acid gold G (AY36) and rhodamine B (RhB) synthetic wastewaters, as well as shortening their degradation pathways. Our research looks forward to providing a novel Ag bridging design strategy for the synthesis of highly active and stable multilayer anodes.