Microwave-plasma induced reconstruction of silver catalysts for highly efficient oxygen reduction

Crystallographically random surfaces of silver particles are reconstructed into low-index planes with low surface energy under a microwave-plasma treatment. The resultant silver decorated Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-delta cathode shows a factor of 8 enhancement of the oxygen reduction reaction activity, achieving an area specific resistance of 0.17 Omega cm(2) at 500 degrees C.