Electrochemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Hydrogen Overvoltage

Abstract
The problem of hydrogen overvoltage is attacked by a method making systematic use of chemical and electrochemical potentials. More precise formulas are thereby obtained than in previous theories and a more definite interpretation of the transfer coefficient of Erdey-Grúz and Volmer is arrived at. The Tafel empirical equation is discussed and the existence, in some cases, of several Tafel regions is considered. Activation free energies, energies, and entropies for the discharge process are calculated and the mechanism involving formation of atomic hydrogen is shown to be entirely plausible.