Effect of electronic coupling on the electrocatalytic performance of Ag-MFe₂O₄ (M = Co, Mn) nanocomposites

Ag-MFe₂O₄ (M = Co, Mn) nanocomposites were synthesized and loaded onto carbon supports. As-prepared Ag-MFe₂O₄/C demonstrated higher catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) than Ag+MFe₂O₄/C. The direct coupling and electron transfer between Ag and MFe₂O₄ in nanocomposites were proposed to enhance their catalytic activities. The Koutecky-Levich plots confirmed a direct four-electron reaction pathway for the ORR on Ag-MFe₂O₄/C. Furthermore, Ag-MFe₂O₄/C showed superior catalytic activities and excellent stability for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Thus, Ag-MFe₂O₄/C nanoparticle are potential non-Pt candidates with bi-functional catalytic activity for ORR and OER.