Construction of rGO@Ti/SnO2–Sb composite electrode for electrochemical degradation of fluoroquinolone antibiotic

Efficient and stable [email protected]/SnO2–Sb composite electrodes were prepared by the sol-gel method. The microscopic morphology, crystal structure, and electrochemical properties of the [email protected]/SnO2-Sb composite electrodes were characterized by a range of characterization techniques. The electrocatalytic oxidation activity of the electrodes was evaluated by the degradation efficiency of the fluoroquinolone antibiotic norfloxacin (NOR). Simultaneously, the effects of different experimental conditions on the degradation efficiency of NOR were also investigated, such as calcination temperatures, brushing times, initial pH, initial electrolyte concentration, etc. The enhanced electrocatalytic oxidation activity can be attributed to the excellent electron transfer efficiency, higher electrode specific surface area, and stronger adhesion of the electrode coating to the substrate. Additionally, the possible NOR degradation pathway was deduced through the main intermediates, and the mechanism of NOR degradation was discussed based on experimental and characterization results. This work provides a simple and effective method to prepare highly active composite electrodes for electrocatalytic oxidation to remove organic pollutants from water.