Fabrication of BN modified Ti/PbO2 electrodes with tunable hydrophobic characteristics and their electrocatalytic performance.

It is significant for electrocatalysis electrode materials to possess high degradative efficiency and future practical applications. Herein, the boron nitride (BN) modified Ti/PbO 2 electrode is prepared by an electro-deposition process. It is found that the introduction of BN plays a significant effect in tuning the morphology, and the surface hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of the PbO 2 electrode, which enhances the electrochemical active areas, generating efficiency of hydroxyl radicals. Subsequently, organic dyes, reactive brilliant blue KN-R, is achievably degraded by the electrode with BN decoration. It is noteworthy that the promotion of electrosorption toward electrocatalytic decolorization of dyeing wastewater is also observed. This result demonstrates that the design of efficient PbO 2 anode for treating organic wastewater could be easily realized by introducing BN additive, and it also confirmed that the combination of tailored surface hydrophilic/hydrophobic characteristics and electro-sorption is a scientific strategy for improving electrocatalysis of semiconductor anode. • The better surface hydrophobicity of PbO 2 coatings arises from doping of BN. • The precipitation of BN on the PbO 2 surface is a significant factor to promote synergy between electrosorption and electrocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]