Robust PbO₂ modified by co-deposition of ZrO₂ nanoparticles for efficient degradation of ceftriaxone sodium

In recent years, PbO₂ electrodes have received widespread attention due to their high oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity. However, due to the brittle nature of the plating layer, it is easy to cause the active layer to fall off. Pb²⁺ will leach out with the electrochemical process causing secondary pollution. The starting point of this study is established to improve the stability and adhesion of the electrode coating. Electrochemical oxidation technology has the characteristics of high treatment efficiency, wide range of applications, and non-polluting environment. In this study, conventional PbO₂ electrodes were modified by using co-deposition of ZrO₂ nanoparticles. In addition, α-PbO₂ was added to increase the stability of the electrodes. At a high current density of 1 A/cm², the accelerated life of the pure PbO₂ electrode is 648 h, the accelerated life of the PbO₂-ZrO₂ electrode is 1.37 times that of the pure PbO₂, and the electrode with an added α-PbO₂ layer is 1.69 times that of the pure PbO₂ electrode. The amount of dissolved Pb²⁺ was only 29% of that of pure PbO₂. The electrochemical performance of the electrode is evaluated by studying the degradation effect of ceftriaxone sodium (CXM). The addition of ZrO₂ nanoparticles alters the particle size and deposition content of PbO₂, leading to a unique crystal structure distinct from pure PbO₂. Compared to conventional PbO₂ electrodes, the PbO₂-ZrO₂ can remove chemical oxygen demand (COD) and pollutants more efficiently, removing for 59% increased by 38.47%. Therefore, PbO₂-ZrO₂ is of great value in the field of electrochemical degradation of industrial pollutants.