Synthesis of silver nanoparticles on carbon papers for electrochemical catalysts

► This article reports two routes, microwave-assisted synthesis and thermal reduction, to deposit silver nanoparticles on oxidized carbon paper electrodes. ► As-grown Ag particles, prepared by the microwave-assisted route, exhibit uniform particle size and well-dispersion over the CP substrate. ► Both silver catalysts possess the redox reversibility in alkali electrolyte. ► Diffusion coefficients under voltammetric regime are 9.06 × 10-10 (Ag-CP-M) and 3.33 × 10-10 cm2 s−1 (Ag-CP-T). ► Electrodes prepared from microwave-assisted approach shows the potential in application of alkaline fuel cells due to its fast synthesis, high activity.