Abstract
Despite numerous studies investigating the kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on a gold surface in acidic solutions, the underlying mechanism of this reaction have remained controversial to date. In the present study, the existing mechanisms are reevaluated and found to be inadequate in explaining the steady state polarization behavior of the hydrogen evolution reaction in an extended cathodic potentials and mildly acidic pH range. It was shown that a mechanism including a surface diffusion step of Hads alongside the Volmer, Heyrovsky, and Tafel elementary steps, best describes the experimental data obtained in acidic perchlorate solutions up to pH 5, while the rate determining step changes both with pH and electrode potential. This overall HER mechanism was further verified using a comprehensive mathematical model based on the proposed elementary steps, where a satisfactory agreement with experimental results was obtained.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.