A Generalized Expression for the Tafel Slope and the Kinetics of Oxygen Reduction on Noble Metals and Alloys

The usually employed expression for the Tafel slope is modified to take into account the potential which is effective in charge transfer within the double layer. The exchange currents and cathodic Tafel slopes are obtained on noble metal electrodes having different number of holes in the d‐band. Using the conventional and modified Tafel slopes, possible paths and rate‐determining steps are suggested for the cathodic reduction of oxygen.