Forming PbO2 by Electrolysis: Lead Plates & Battery Experiments

[RayRoc]

A while back I did an experiment, I placed two lead sheets in a H2SO4 solution, exposed it to a charging current and tested the battery there after.

As I understand it, the battery worked by the metal combination of PbO2 and Pb, and through electrolysis I formed the PbO2 directly on the plate.

The result of the experiment was a working battery. Now my question:

If in fact what I understand is correct, why the fuss with coating the lead plated with PbO2, using other less natural ways? Like using a plating solution of lead nitrate, or pressing the powdered lead dioxide right onto the electrode.

On my search for suitable replacements of Platinum electrodes I ran a crossed lead dioxide, and although I am not sure quite yet if lead dioxide would fill my needs, it did raise the question for me.

Thanks.

 

[Borek]

If in fact what I understand is correct, why the fuss with coating the lead plated with PbO2, using other less natural ways? Like using a plating solution of lead nitrate, or pressing the powdered lead dioxide right onto the electrode.

One of the reasons: you can have ready battery, that can be transported dry and filled with an acid on site. Such a battery won't leak even if it is dropped or hit, so it is much safer to move.

 

[RayRoc]

I thought I understood the mechanism that would produce the lead dioxide on the electrode, but I have read about electrode preparation involving the plating of the PbO2 on a substrate like titanium, carbon, and lead. This doesn’t make sense to me when it comes to lead, as I thought it would be a byproduct of electrolysis.

 

[Borek]

These are different cases. You may produce PbO₂ on the lead surface during electrolysis in sulfuric acid; no doubt about it. But when you want to plate PbO₂ by dry method on the dry electrode, you have to use tricks. Just pouring dry, powdered PbO₂ won't suffice.

 

[RayRoc]

Borek thank you for your replies, you have answered my intended question, (I think) but for clairification, even though a simple experiment would suffice, I still wonder if I would have problems useing a lead electrode for electrolysis production of oxygen gas.