Hydrogen evolution on a mercury electrode: The effect of a condensed adsorption layer

The electroreduction of hydrogen on a dropping mercury electrode with and without condensed adsorption layers (CAL) of organic compounds is studied by methods of classical polarography and laser photoemission. An analysis of effects CAL has on some reactions reveals that the CAI, influence on the first-electron transfer and on reactions involving intermediates can retard or even completely block the process. The most profound changes occur in the processes that involve a proton donor. Possible reasons for different effects of CAL on the electron transfer processes are discussed.