A Simple Synthesis Method of Single-Size AgCl Nano-Particles and Its Discharge Behavior

Abstract

Single-size AgCl nanoparticles were successfully synthesized through a direct precipitation method with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) as the complexant. Fourier transform infra-Red (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron micro spectroscopy (SEM) and density functional theory (DFT) calculation were conducted to analyze the structure and morphology. Linear sweep voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were used to evaluate the electrochemical activity. The kind of formed complexes between Ag+ and EDTA in the solutions changes by varying pH values in the solution. The stability of the formed complexes differs from each other, which notably affects the nucleation and growth of AgCl particles in the solutions and subsequently the particle size and morphology of synthesized AgCl particles. The reactants concentration, temperature and CAg+/CEDTA ratio are also dominant to the particle size and morphology of synthesized AgCl particles. Single-size AgCl nanoparticles (75 nm) with spherical shape were synthesized. The AgCl electrodes prepared by synthesized AgCl nanoparticles show the highest current density of 15.2 mA/cm2 at potential −0.2 V and excellent cathodic and anodic recycling properties, indicating that the AgCl electrode is suitable for use as the electrode for rechargeable seawater battery.