The role of electronic interaction in the use of Ag and Mn3O4hybrid nanocrystals covalently coupled with carbon as advanced oxygen reduction electrocatalysts

• DOI: 10.1039/c4ta03937h
• Publication Date: 2014-08-29T11:36:57Z
• Authors: Jingjun Liu; Juzhe Liu; Weiwei Song; Feng Wang; Ye Song
• Keywords: Carbon fibers; X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Achieving synergy between inexpensive metals and metal oxides is a key challenge for the development of highly active, economical composites as next-generation catalysts oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). We have synthesized dispersed Ag Mn3O4 nanocrystals covalently coupled with carbon black via simple thermal decomposition AgNO3 Mn(NO3)2 precursors at elevated temperatures. The resulting are located separately on carbon, but in close proximity to each other. Electrocatalysis experiments an alkaline solution reveal remarkably improved electrocatalytic activity prolonged long-term durability Ag–Mn3O4/C composite relative Ag/C (90 wt%). Moreover, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) absorption (XAS) demonstrate that unique electronic structures could be tuned by substantial electron transfer two nanoparticles through common support, which correlates enhanced ORR performance. exact origin may associated favorable formation monolayer Ag2O film promoted active adsorption surfaces result particle-to-particle ligand ensemble effects phases this composite.