Abstract
Lead cathodes disintegrate into colloidal lead at high current densities in alkaline and weakly acid solutions. The rates of disintegration were studied in solutions of varying pH and salt concentration at different temperatures and current densities. It is concluded that the cause of this phenomenon is the formation and subsequent decomposition of a volatile unstable hydride of lead. The formula of this hydride is . It is quantitatively formed at current densities above 10–50 ma/cm2, depending on the other parameters. The equation for formation of is considered to be : . The implications of this on hydrogen overvoltage are discussed.

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