Fluctuations of overpotential at metal cathodes and changes in surface concentration of hydrogen atoms

Abstract

Fluctuations of the total apparent hydrogen overpotential at platinized platinum cathodes at low current densities have been correlated with irregular changes of the hydrogen content of the electrode surface. The comparative lack of fluctuations at palladized palladium cathodes under similar experimental conditions has been attributed to the presence of absorbed hydrogen in the palladium lattice which exerts a buffering action on changes of the hydrogen atom concentration at the surface.