Fabrication and nucleation study of β-PbO2–Co3O4 OER energy-saving electrode

In this study, β-PbO 2 –Co 3 O 4 composite coatings were synthesized on a substrate using the electrodeposition method in an electrolyte containing Pb 2+ and Co 3 O 4 particles. The preparation process study shows that the β-PbO 2 bath containing Co 3 O 4 particles becomes more stable for an ultrasonic dispersion time within 30 min, with the stability beginning to decrease after the ultrasonic time exceeds 30 min. Co 3 O 4 particles in the β-PbO 2 bath are positively charged, with anions being adsorbed onto the particles. The nucleation behavior study shows that the electric field force plays a dominant role in the adsorption process for the Co 3 O 4 particles. The nucleation and growth of β-PbO 2 on the Co 3 O 4 particles started for the particles closer to the substrate. In addition, the thickness of the β-PbO 2 layer on the Co 3 O 4 particles was inversely proportional to the distance between the Co 3 O 4 particles and the substrate. Compared to the pure PbO 2 electrode, the oxygen evolution overpotentials for the β-PbO 2 –Co 3 O 4 electrode are decreased significantly, which demonstrates an energy-saving effect.