Study of methanesulfonic acid effect on electrosynthesis of lead dioxide to provide more environmentally electrolyte selection

Abstract

Lead dioxide has absorbed much attention for its good resistance to corrosion, high electronic conductivity, good stability, long lifetime, low cost as electrode material. However, there still exist problems about the selection of electrolyte, which may bring trouble in energy conservation and environmental protection. The present study was to provide more environmentally electrolyte of methanesulfonic acid (MSA) and evaluate MSA effect on electrosynthesis of lead dioxide by using rotating disk electrode (RDE) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD) so as to make sure suitable concentration of MSA and to gain more environmental and energy benefit. The results show that methanesulfonic acid has great influence on the electrodeposition of lead dioxide and adequately characterise the PbO2 synthesized on Pt electrode surface. By controlling the composition of the electrodeposition bath at MSA concentration 0.1 M and Pb(II) 0.2 M can we get better reversible process, longer electrode lifetime and more satisfactory environmental protection.