The role of transition resistance in the phenomenon of hydrogen overvoltage

Abstract

In this work, we used a method of direct measurement of the magnitude of the transition resistance, as well as the thickness of the gas film creating it, using an alternating current superimposed on a polarizing direct current. This work allows us to draw the following conclusions: 1) the existence of transition resistance on the mercury cathode is undoubtedly, transition resistance is not the only cause of hydrogen overvoltage; 2) the formation of a hydrogen film, which gives the transition resistance, begins at very low cathodic polarization; 3) the maximum film resistance corresponds to the beginning of an increase in current strength on the current density - potential curve; 4) as the direct current density increases, the value of the transition resistance decreases.