Bifunctional electrocatalyst for oxygen/air electrodes

Nano-Silver powder has been studied as bi-functional electrocatalyst for both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline medium. Ag nano-powder has been prepared by a simple wet chemical method with Silver nitrate as precursor and Glucose as reducing agent. X-ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy studies were carried out to characterize the Silver catalyst. Electrochemical oxygen evolution characterization shows anodic peak typically at the range between 0.350 and 0.514 V Vs Hg/HgO corresponding to Silver oxidation followed by the onset of oxygen evolution at 0.706 V. Oxygen reduction reaction studies carried out using Rotating Disc Electrode (RDE) confirm the four electron reaction mechanism. Ag catalyst shows promising characteristics for oxygen evolution and oxygen reduction. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.