A study on the deactivation of an IrO 2–Ta 2O 5 coated titanium anode

The deactivation of an IrO 2–Ta 2O 5 coated titanium anode was studied during an accelerated life test at 2 A cm −2 in 1 mol dm −3 H 2SO 4 solution using CV, EIS, SEM and EDX. The changes of voltammetric charge, double layer capacitance, oxide film resistance and charge transfer resistance of oxygen evolution with time during the electrolysis were monitored. The morphology and surface composition of the oxide anode before and after electrolysis test were analysed. A comprehensive process of deactivation of the oxide anode was proposed based on the test results and analysis.