The Anodic Oxidation of Hydrogen in Aqueous Acids by Conducting Compounds of the Transition Elements

Abstract

A number of compounds of the transition elements with B, C, H, N, P, S, and Si have been screened for corrosion resistance and catalytic activity for anodic hydrogen oxidation in . Only WC and alloys of WC with TaC were found to be active. A plot of apparent activation energy against over‐potential was linear in the range 200–500 mV. The activity of WC is discussed in the context of (a) surface defects acting as active centers and (b) the formation of hydrogen tungsten bronzes.