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Periodic variations of overvoltages for water electrolysis in acid solutions from cyclic voltametric studies. [31 metals as electrocatalysts]

Journal Article · · J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1.2132619· OSTI ID:7143661

Cyclic voltammetry was used to determine the electrocatalytic activities of 31 metals for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction in 0.1M H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/ at 80/sup 0/C. For the hydrogen evolution reaction, properties of the metals such as electronic structures, work functions, and metal-hydrogen bond strengths tend to correlate with the observed electrocatalytic activities. The best electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction in the order of decreasing catalytic activity are Pd greater than Pt approximately equal to Rh greater than Ir greater than Re greater than Os approximately equal to Ru greater than Ni. For the oxygen evolution reaction, the order of catalytic activity is Ir approximately equal to Ru greater than Pd greater than Rh greater than Pt greater than Au greater than Nb. Most other metals undergo anodic corrosion and cannot be used for the evolution of oxygen in acid solutions. The potentials at which corrosion is observed are presented for these metals.

Research Organization:
Middle Tennessee State Univ., Murfreesboro
OSTI ID:
7143661
Journal Information:
J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 123:10; ISSN JESOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English