Fabrication of a novel Ti3C2-modified Sb-SnO2 porous electrode for electrochemical oxidation of organic pollutants

Sb-SnO2 is an appealing electrode for degrading organic pollutants in wastewater treatment, albeit further modifications are needed for its inefficient electrochemical oxidation capacity. In this work, we prepared Ti3C2 modified Sb-SnO(2 )electrode by electrodeposition technology. High-conductive MXene matrix regulated the Sb-Sn alloy nucleation process to decrease its domain size during deposition and generated pores during the annealing process. When introducing 20 mg MXene into the electrolyte, the obtained Sb-SnO2 electrode (Ti3C2-20) presented a larger oxygen evolution over-potential (2.32 V vsSCE), increased amount of active sites, and enlarged electrochemical specific surface area (similar to 4.4-fold) than the unmodified electrode, resulting in a promoted center dot OH generation ability (similar to 7.4 times). Methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), norfloxacin (NOR), and P-phenylenediamine (PPD) were effectively degraded by the Ti3C2-20 anode with economic energy consumption. Moreover, the Ti3C2-20 electrode also featured a longer lifetime, almost fivefold, than the unmodified Sb-SnO2 electrode due to its larger loading amount and decreased charge transfer resistance. Consequently, this work offers a new perspective for designing efficient and stable porous electrodes to address water pollution issues.

Automated summary

In this study, a Ti3C2 modified Sb-SnO2 electrode was prepared by electrodeposition technology. The modified electrode showed improved oxidation capacity, larger active surface area, and enhanced ability to generate hydroxyl radicals, resulting in effective degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater.