Trapped interfacial redox introduces reversibility in the oxygen reduction reaction in a non-aqueous Ca²⁺ electrolyte

Electrochemical investigations of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) have been conducted in a Ca²⁺-containing dimethyl sulfoxide electrolyte. While the ORR appears irreversible, the introduction of a tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAClO₄) co-salt in excess concentrations results in the gradual appearance of a quasi-reversible OER process. Combining the results of systematic cyclic voltammetry investigations, the degree of reversibility depends on the ion pair competition between Ca²⁺ and TBA⁺ cations to interact with generated superoxide (O₂ ^-). When TBA⁺ is in larger concentrations, and large reductive overpotentials are applied, a quasi-reversible OER peak emerges with repeated cycling (characteristic of formulations without Ca²⁺ cations). In situ Raman microscopy and rotating ring-disc electrode (RRDE) experiments revealed more about the nature of species formed at the electrode surface and indicated the progressive evolution of a charge storage mechanism based upon trapped interfacial redox. The first electrochemical step involves generation of O₂ ^-, followed primarily by partial passivation of the surface by Ca O product formation (the dominant initial reaction). Once this product matrix develops, the subsequent formation of TBA⁺--O₂ ^- is contained within the Ca O product interlayer at the electrode surface and, consequently, undergoes a facile oxidation reaction to regenerate O₂.