Morphology of alpha-lead dioxide electrodeposited on aluminum substrate electrode

Alpha-lead dioxide was deposited by anodization of alkaline solution containing HPbO2- anions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that the morphology is remarkably affected by the current density, concentration of HPbO2- anions, bath temperature and electroplating time. Compact and well adherent layers are possibly obtained under conditions of current densities <= 3 mA/cm(2), electrolyte containing 4 mol/L NaOH and 0.12-0.14 mol/L lead (II), bath temperature of 40 degrees C, and electroplating time of 2 h. EDS analyses show that the PbO2 deposited in alkaline condition is highly non-stoichiometric at high current density.