Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

In situ activation of cobalt cathodes in alkaline water electrolysis

  • Papers
  • Published:
Journal of Applied Electrochemistry Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on polished pure cobalt cathodes in 30 w/o KOH at 70°C in the presence of dissolved metallic impurities has been investigated in constant current and potential modes combined with the potential-sweep method. Potentiostatic tests show that the cell current decreases with time during the first 1000 s, which is tentatively attributed to the penetration of atomic hydrogen into the metal lattice. The deposition of copper, iron and zinc, observed after several hours' incubation significantly influences the Tafel parameters for HER.

Marked improvement in the electrocatalytic activity of the cathode in the presence of dissolved sodium molybdate is ascribed mainly to the deposition of molybdenum on the electrode surface, which lowers the Tafel slope and considerably increases the exchange-current density. The current increase is observed after an incubation period which is closely related to the concentration of dissolved sodium molybdate, whereas the rate of current increase with time is largely influenced by the applied potential.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. J. Y. Huot and L. Brossard,Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 12 (1987) 821.

    Google Scholar 

  2. J. Y. Huot and L. Brossard,Surface and Coating Technology 34 (1988) 373.

    Google Scholar 

  3. P. W. T. Lu and S. Srinivasan,J. Electrochem. Soc. 125 (1978) 265.

    Google Scholar 

  4. J. Amossé and M. J. Barbier,Electrochim. Acta 11 (1966) 1045.

    Google Scholar 

  5. H. Atrens, D. Mezzanotte, N. F. Fiore and M. A. Genshow,Corrosion. Sci 20 (1980) 673.

    Google Scholar 

  6. E. Yeager and D. Tryk, in Proceedings of the Symposium on “The Chemistry and Physics of Electrocatalysis,” (edited by J. McIntyre, M. Weaver and E. Yeager)Phys. Electrochem. Proc.,84, (1984) 827.

  7. C. M. Lacnjevac and M. M. Jaksic,J. Res. Inst. Catalysis, Hokkaido Univ. 31 (1983) 7.

    Google Scholar 

  8. M. Enyo and T. Maoka,J. Electroanal. Chem. 108 (1980) 277.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut de recherche d'Hydro-Québec (IREQ), 1800 Montée Ste-Julie, JOL 2PO, Varennes, Québec, Canada

    J. Y. Huot & L. Brossard

Authors
  1. J. Y. Huot
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. L. Brossard
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Huot, J.Y., Brossard, L. In situ activation of cobalt cathodes in alkaline water electrolysis. J Appl Electrochem 18, 815–822 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01016036

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01016036

Keywords

Search

Navigation