Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering, Vol.13, No.1, 102-106, 2005
Hydrogen adsorption on Pt, Rh and Pt-Rh electrodes
The hydrogen adsorption on Pt-Rh alloys in sulfuric acid aqueous solutions was studied by the method of cathode pulses. Hydrogen adsorption on the electrode with all ratio of alloy components (w(Rh) = 0-100%) is well described by the Temkin logarithmic isotherm. The surface coverage by adsorbed hydrogen at the same potential is decreased with increasing content of rhodium in the system. A linear dependence of adsorption peak potential on the alloy compositions in the case of weakly bonded adsorbed hydrogen is established. Hydrogen adsorption heat as a function of surface coverage for Pt-Rh-electrodes was obtained. The shape of the current-potential curve and position of the weakly bonded hydrogen adsorption on the potential scale are all related to alloy compositions, thus can serve as the basis for the determination surface composition of alloys.