Efficient electrochemical degradation of ceftazidime by Ti3+ self-doping TiO2 nanotube-based Sb–SnO2 nanoflowers as an intermediate layer on a modified PbO2 electrode

Ceftazidime (CAZ) is an emerging organic pollutant with a long-lasting presence in the environment. Although some PbO₂ materials exhibit degradation capabilities, inefficient electron transport in the substrate layer and the problem of electrode stability still limit their use. Here, an interfacial design in which TiO₂ nanotube arrays generate Ti³⁺ self-doping oxide substrate layers and highly active 3D Sb-SnO₂ nanoflowers-like interlayers was used to prepare PbO₂ anodes for efficient degradation of CAZ. Interestingly, after implementing Ti³⁺ self-doping in the PbO₂ anode base layer and introducing 3D nanoflowers-like structures, the capacity for •OH generation increased significantly. The modified electrode exhibited 5-fold greater •OH generation capacity compared to the unmodified electrode, and a 2.7-fold longer accelerated electrode lifetime. The results indicate that interfacial engineering of the base and intermediate layers of the electrodes can improve the electron transfer efficiency, promote the formation of •OH, and extend the anode lifetime of the activated CAZ system.