Hydrogen permeation through iron coated nickel electrodes.
Published: 2004
Language: eng
Number of pages: 115
Description: Nickel electrodes are commonly used in alkaline water electrolysis because of their electrocatalytic behavior to the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Nickel is known to deactivate with time due to the formation of a hydride layer from hydrogen penetration into the metal lattice. The hydride layer is less electrocatalytic to the HER, which is indicated by an increase in polarization during constant current operation. Iron, a common impurity in alkaline electrolytes, is known to deposit onto the cathode during electrolysis and reactivate the nickel electrode. This is attributed to an increase in surface area from the iron deposits. In this thesis, the effects of various iron surface layers on nickel electrodes were studied using an electrochemical hydrogen permeation technique. Surface analysis techniques were also used to examine the nickel electrode before and after use. The varied surface coverage of iron showed that nickel hydride forms with an iron coverage less than or equal to 40% iron.
Notes: Adviser:  D. W. Kirk.

Thesis (M.A.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2004.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 42-06, page: 2266.

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