Silver(I) Oxide on Silver–Zinc Alloys: Anodic Formation and Properties

Abstract

Anodic formation in deoxygenated 0.1 М KOH solution of Ag(I) oxide on Ag–Zn alloys with zinc atomic fraction from 5 to 30 at % and its properties were examined using cyclic voltammetry supplemented by photoelectrochemical measurements. Phase composition of the alloys is confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Surface morphology is studied using scanning electron microscope. Ag(I) oxide anodically formed on silver–zinc alloys is shown possessing n-type conductance, with dominating donor defects. The donor defect concentration in the Ag(I) oxide increases, as the zinc content in the alloy grows, and this leads to a decrease in the maximum photocurrent and to narrowing of the space charge region. With the increasing of the zinc concentration in the alloy, the Ag₂O particles’ size decreases and their surface density increases.