The Oxygen Evolution Reaction at Manganese Oxide Films in Base: Kinetics and Mechanism

Various manganese oxide type Dimensionally Stable Anode (DSA) electrodes were prepared though a simple thermal decomposition technique at different annealing temperatures for their effect on the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Along with the change in different annealing temperatures, the effects of different metal substrates were also explored. Cyclic Voltammetry was used to analyze the redox transitions of all annealing temperatures on the nickel and titanium substrates. Steady state polarization curves (also known as Tafel Plots) were used to determine tafel slopes, Open Circuit Potential decay analysis was also used to determine tafel slopes. Reaction orders of the 350°C nickel Mn_xO_y electrode were determined and calculated as a half reaction order. A mechanism for this electrode is also proposed. SEM-EDX and FTIR analysis are also reported on some Mn_xO_y films and powders.