From limitations to efforts: Improvement of Ti/SnO2 electrodes

Abstract

This study investigates some innovative efforts to improve the electrical conductivity of Ti/SnO₂ electrodes, which are widely used electrodes in electrochemical oxidation processes. Considering the increasing challenges of water resource management and pollution, improving the performance of these electrodes has become crucial. In this regard, this research aims to evaluate the effects of various modifications, including the use of tungsten trioxide nanoparticles, and samarium oxide particles, on electrical conductivity and stability of Ti/SnO₂ electrodes. Various techniques were used to analyze the structural, morphological and electrochemical characteristics of the modified electrodes. Results show an improvement in the performance of modified Ti/SnO₂ electrodes, especially, the final modification with addition of samarium oxide led to remarkable enhancement in the electrochemical properties of this electrode, increasing its electric conductivity (and thus decreasing the energy demand, because of a reduction in the resulting cell voltage) and improving electrocatalytic properties (affecting positively to the activation of oxidants such as peroxosulfates). These findings suggest that the modified electrode can be used as effective and efficient solutions for addressing water treatment challenges soon, being a topic worth of further research work in the search of the real application of electrochemical technologies to treat wastewater.