Experimental and theoretical investigation on the ORR activity of AgVO3

Abstract

The sluggish oxygen reduction kinetics in the cathode limits the overall performance of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), which are one of the promising future sustainable energy technologies. An efficient, methanol tolerant, durable, low-cost, and non-precious metal cathode catalyst as an alternative for the state-of-the-art catalyst Pt/C is the need of the hour. In this regard, mixed transition metal oxides (MTMOs) are gaining significant attention. Herein, we report an experimental and theoretical study on the oxygen reduction activity of AgVO₃ nanorods, which exhibit a current density of −5.22 mA cm⁻² and an onset potential of 0.82 V at 1800 rpm demonstrating superior methanol tolerance and durability compared to Pt/C. DFT-based theoretical modeling suggests that AgVO₃ exhibits ORR activity and proceeds through a 4e⁻ mechanism.