Low overvoltage electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolving electrodes

Abstract An electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolving cathodes has been developed for use in alkaline media. The materials employed in manufacturing the coating are relatively cheap transition metals. The results of a variety of performance tests are reported. The electrodes exhibit a low overvoltage for hydrogen evolution (70–90 mV at 70°C and 1A cm −2 in 5 N KOH), stability to abuse (e.g. current interruption or reversal) and a long cathode life under operating conditions.