CMS and Nd Co-Modified PbO2 Electrodes with Enhanced Lifetime and Electrochemical Activity for the Degradation of Bisphenol S

Abstract

In this study, a lead dioxide electrode co-modified with carbon microspheres and neodymium (CMS-Nd-PbO2) was prepared. The structural morphology and electrochemical properties of the four electrodes, PbO2, CMS-PbO2, Nd-PbO2, and CMS-Nd-PbO2, were compared by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance, respectively. The results showed that the prepared CMS-Nd-PbO2 electrode had higher surface denseness and higher electrode activity. Based on the accelerated lifetime experiment, the actual working life of four electrodes was studied, and the CMS-Nd-PbO2 electrode had a relatively long lifetime, increased 24.60% compared with the PbO2 electrode. The influencing parameters of electrochemical degradation of bisphenol S (BPS) by CMS-Nd-PbO2 electrode, the ability of different electrodes to generate hydroxyl radicals, reaction mechanism, and the possible BPS degradation pathways were also discussed. Further, the safety of the prepared electrode was evaluated. Under the optimal parameters, the removal rate of BPS and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were 96.49% and 51.84%, respectively. The dissolved lead ion concentration in the solution after electrochemical oxidation was lower than the WHO standard. The CMS-Nd-PbO2 electrode showed promising applications in the degradation of emerging contaminants wastewater.