Silver oxide

Silver oxide (CAS 20667-12-3, EC 243-957-1, formula Ag2O) is an inorganic silver compound also known as disilver oxide, silver monoxide, and argentous oxide. It carries no assigned E-code and is classified under HS code 28432900 within the salts and minerals category.

In electronics, silver oxide serves as the active cathode material in button cell batteries, where it undergoes reduction to metallic silver during discharge, delivering stable voltage output. In pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications, it functions as a biocide by releasing silver ions that disrupt microbial cell membranes, and as a mild oxidising catalyst in organic synthesis reactions.

Silver oxide is available in reagent and technical grades as a dark powder, supplied in quantities ranging from laboratory-scale packaging to bulk formats. It falls under REACH regulation and requires an SDS compliant with EU GHS standards. Buyers should confirm purity specifications and storage requirements prior to procurement.