Preparation and characterization of PMT-TiO2-NTs@NiO–C/Sn–Sb composite electrodes by a two-step pulsed electrodeposition method for the degradation of crystalline violet

To overcome the limitations imposed by Sn–Sb electrodes, the titanium foam (PMT)-TiO2-NTs@NiO–C/Sn–Sb composite electrodes with cubic crystal structure are synthesized by introducing NiO@C nanosheet arrays interlayer on the TiO2-NTs/PMT matrix through hydrothermal and carbonization process. Then a two-step pulsed electrodeposition method is used to prepare the Sn–Sb coating. Benefiting from the advantages of stacked 2D layer-sheet structure, the obtained electrodes exhibit enhanced stability and conductivity. Synergy of inner and outer layers fabricated by different pulse times strongly influence the electrochemical catalytic properties of the PMT-TiO2-NTs@NiO–C/Sn–Sb (Sn–Sb) electrode. Hence, the Sn–Sb (b0.5 h + w1 h) electrode is the optimal electrode to degrade the Crystalline Violet (CV). Next, the effect of the four experimental parameters (initial CV concentration, current density, pH value and supporting electrolyte concentration) on the degradation of CV by the electrode are investigated. The degradation of the CV is more sensitive to alkaline pH, and the rapid decolorization of CV when the pH is 10. Moreover, the possible electrocatalytic degradation pathway of CV is performed using HPLC-MS. Results from the tests show that the PMT-TiO2-NTs/NiO@C/Sn–Sb (b0.5 h + w1 h) electrode is an interesting alternative material in industrial wastewater applications.