NICKEL-SULFUR CATALYSTS IN HYDROGEN EVOLUTION

The electrochemical characteristics and strength of adhesion of active sulfur catalyst coatings were studied. It was shown that the characteristic length of the hydrogen evolution process is much shorter at electrodes with such catalysts than at Raney nickel surface catalysts. The effective exchange current of the hydrogen reaction was determined at the sulfur catalysts, and reasons were discussed why there is a maximum in the relation between exchange currents and thickness of the active coating on the electrode. It was found that on the sulfur catalysts, unlike Raney nickel, practically no hydrogen is adsorbed, hence they are inactive for hydrogen ionization.