Tuning the electrodeposition parameters of silver to yield micro/nano structures from room temperature protic ionic liquids

Controlled electrodeposition of silver onto glassy carbon, gold and indium tin oxide-coated glass substrates has been achieved from three room temperature protic ionic liquids (PILs), ethylammonium nitrate, triethylammonium methylsulfonate, and bis(2-methoxyethyl)ammonium acetate. Cyclic voltammetric, chronoamperometric, together with microscopic and X-ray techniques reveal that micro/nanostructured Ag thin films of controlled morphology, size, density, and uniformity can be achieved by tuning the electrodeposition parameters such as potential, time, types of PILs, substrate materials, and ionic liquid viscosity by altering the water content. Chronoamperometric results provide direct evidence that electrodeposition of Ag in protic ionic liquids takes place through a progressive nucleation and diffusion-controlled 3D growth mechanism. The as prepared Ag micro/nanoparticles have been employed as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction and exhibit excellent catalytic activity. The study provides promise for using protic ionic liquids as alternative electrolytes to conventional aprotic ionic liquids for electrodeposition of metals and nanostructured electrocatalysts.