Effect of solvent on the preparation and characterization of DSA®-type anodes containing RuO2-TiO2-SnO2

Anodes containing ruthenium, titanium, and tin oxides supported on metallic Ti were prepared by thermal decomposition of precursor salts in order to investigate the effect that changing the solvent (from HCl/H2O to isopropanol) would have on the real composition of the mixed oxide electrodes. The precursor solutions and their mixtures were analyzed by UV-Vis Spectrophotometry. Coatings morphology and composition were analyzed by Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). Determination of the electrochemically active area and electrode stability was performed by voltammetric characterization (1.0 mol L-1 HClO4) and service life (SL) tests, respectively. Electrodes prepared from isopropanol showed excellent agreement between the nominal and experimental composition and they presented higher electrochemically active area and better stability when compared to those prepared in the presence of HCl. Preparation of the precursor mixture in isopropanol increases RuO2-TiO2-SnO2 electrodes service life.