Abstract: The mechanism of photoresponse during the anodic oxidation of Pb electrode was investigated.The results showed that there was photoactivation during the oxidation of Pb electrode under illumination when the electrode potential was over 0 V.The study of the cathodic photoresponse of lead anodic films in the cathodic potential region showed that the lead anodic films could produce cathodic and anodic photocurrents. The cathodic photocurrent was produced by p-type lead oxide in the film, and the anodic photocurrent might be produced by the lead oxide,which formed p-n junctions.The measurement of photo-potential was used to study the constant current polarization of lead electrodes in H₂SO₄ solution.

Key words: Lead electrode, Photoelectrochemistry, Anodic film