Effect of some primary alcohols on hydrogen yield on platinum cathode in chloride solution

The effect of some primary alcohols on hydrogen evolution has been studied in 0.01 M NaCl + 1 M x alcohol (x: 0, methyl, ethyl and propyl alcohol) at different pHs (3, 5 and 8) and temperatures (25degreesC, 50degreesC and 75degreesC) on Pt electrode at a constant potential (5.00 V) using electrolysis. The theoretical (E-rev) and experimental discharge (E-exp) potentials for these systems have been determined and the volume of hydrogen gas measured at periods of time. The yield of hydrogen gas was calculated for different temperatures. For this system, alcohol adsorbs on to the platinum surface in alcohol solutions and decreases the overpotential for anodic and cathodic reactions; so that the highest hydrogen yield is obtained in all alcohol solutions. (C) 2003 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.