A new air electrode based on carbon nanotubes and Ag–MnO2 for metal air electrochemical cells

A new air electrode using a combination of dual functional silver/manganese dioxide catalysts based on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) was developed by chemically reducing silver permanganate with hydrazine. The electrode prepared comprises a high-quality carbon nanotube support with a complex of manganese dioxide and silver catalysts. The electrocatalytical activity of the electrode was examined via a variety of electrochemical testing techniques. Higher electrocatalytical activity for the oxygen reduction reaction and better performance of the zinc air cell, as compared with the catalysts supported on mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) or commercial graphite, was achieved.