ELECTROCATALYSIS AND NATURE OF ELECTRODE

The shape of the Balandin volcano curve is discussed for a two-step electrode reaction with a single intermediate using a simple model for the variation of the transfer coefficient. At the equilibrium potential the curve becomes steeper at the extremities and the possibility of changes in relative rates of partial reactions exists. At high overpotentials the volcano becomes markedly asymmetric. A simple model of a two component electrode is discussed to evaluate its possible use in electrocatalysis. For reactions involving a single intermediate the conditions for an enhancement in the net reaction rate are somewhat unlikely to occur in practice. More promising results may be obtained for more complex reactions. © 1969.