Abstract
An investigation of the hydrogen evolution reaction (h.e.r.) at low temperatures down to —150°C is reported for two metals, Hg and Pt. The purpose of the investigation was to examine the kinetic behavior for evidence of proton tunneling. The H/D isotope effect at mercury at low temperatures and the heat of activation behavior do not support any significant contribution from proton tunneling in the reaction. The situation is not as clear, however, for the case of smooth platinum. On the basis of the observation of a linear Arrhenius relation for the heat of activation down to —150°C, it is concluded that a proton tunneling mechanism cannot be appreciable for the h.e.r. on smooth platinum in ethanolic solutions.

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