The electrolytic reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline in alcoholic sulfuric acid medium was studied. The present paper reports data for different cathodes: nickel, rolled copper, macro‐etched iron, annealed steel, carburized steel unquenched, carburized steel quenched in oil, carburized steel quenched in water, and steel subjected to varied tensile strains—4.7%, 17.5%, 35% and to severe cold hammering. Results show the probable influence of structure, of increased strain and of carbon content of a steel cathode, and of the effect of different treatments such as annealing, carburizing, quenching in oil and in water.