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Cathodic Evolution of Hydrogen at Very High Current Densities

Nature volume 165, pages 403–404 (1950)Cite this article

Abstract

ONE of the most critical experiments in the theory of the cathodic evolution of hydrogen1 concerns the dependence of the reaction-rate (represented by the current density) upon the cathodic potential at very high current densities, where the metal surface approaches saturation with hydrogen. In this region a limiting current2 would be expected if the hydrogen atom combination forms the rate-controlling reaction, or constancy of over-potential with current density would occur if (according to Hickling and Salt3) the mechanism involves the electrochemical discharge reaction. On the other hand, if the kinetics of the evolution depend upon proton discharge, a linearity between log i (the current density) and η (the over-potential) would be expected4.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Imperial College of Science and Technology, London, S.W.7

    A. M. AZZAM & J. O'M. BOCKRIS

Authors
  1. A. M. AZZAM
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  2. J. O'M. BOCKRIS
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AZZAM, A., BOCKRIS, J. Cathodic Evolution of Hydrogen at Very High Current Densities. Nature 165, 403–404 (1950). https://doi.org/10.1038/165403b0

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