Intermetallic Compounds as Catalysts in the Reaction of Electroevolution/Absorption of Hydrogen

Abstract

This work deals with selected aspects of the formation of intermetallic phases and the occurrence of a synergistic effect in the electrochemical process taking place at such electrode materials. A comparison of the catalytic activity of a variety of metals and intermetallic compounds in the reaction of hydrogen electroevolution and absorption was carried out. It has been found that the catalytic activity of such combinations is much higher than the activity of their individual components and quite often also of precious metals. This paper is also aimed at understanding the electrocatalytic properties of electrodes based on the concept of “activity descriptors”. What is also discussed is the ability of different metals and intermetallic compounds to store hydrogen.