Highly robust and efficient Ti-based Sb-SnO2 anode with a mixed carbon and nitrogen interlayer for electrochemical 1,4-dioxane removal from water

Ti-based Sb-SnO2 electrodes are attractive due to their excellent catalytic activity but have a short service life. Here, we report a highly stable and efficient Ti/TiONC/Sb-SnO2 electrode, which was fabricated through hydrothermal reactions using urea to form TiONC interlayers and electrodeposition-annealing to coat the active Sb-SnO2 catalysts. The triple-layered anode was characterized by highly crystalline structures, high oxygen evolution potentials, and corrosion-resistance properties. The structural arrangement yielded better electrocatalytic performances than that using the control electrode (Ti/Sb-SnO2), showing enhanced organics degradation efficiencies. This new electrode's lifetime was significantly (~25 times) longer than that of either the control or any Sb-SnO2 electrode modified with non-precious materials reported in the literature. The electrode's enhanced stability was attributed to the insertion of the mixed C and N interlayers that are resistant to oxidants and corrosive ions. The Ti/TiONC/Sb-SnO2 anode holds promise for use in electrochemical water treatment.