A mini-review of recent progress in lead dioxide electrocatalyst for degradation of toxic organic pollutants

Lead dioxide (PbO2) electrocatalyst as a non-active anode have been extensively investigated in recent years with environmental objectives for the degradation of organic pollutants. Degradation of organics at the surface of the PbO2 anode by direct and indirect oxidation mechanisms proceeds to complete mineralization under optimal conditions. However, for conventional Ti/PbO2 anodes, low oxygen evolution potential (OEP), short service time, lead leakage, mass transfer limitation and, low active surface area are still the most important disadvantages that need much study. Development of PbO2 electrocatalysts with a three-dimensional structure, use of innovative intermediate layers, and doping of the main electrocatalyst active layer with the aim of increasing active sites are among the new strategies for upgrading PbO2 anodes. Focusing on articles published since 2021, this review presents current efforts by researchers to improve the electrocatalytic performance, stability and, environmental safety of PbO2 anodes for improved degradation of environmental pollutants.