Influence of ph on cathodic polarization of germanium electrodes

Abstract

Cathodic polarization of p-Ge electrodes has been studied in solutions (0.02N TEABr + HBr) and (0.02N TEAI + X N H2SO4) where X denotes the normality of acids. The Tafel relation η= a-b log i is not valid over a wide range of current densities. Source of protons in hydrogen evolution in acidic solution is the hydronium ion (H3O+). The parameters: b, α and v support the mechanism: [formula omitted] where Ge denotes the surface of germanium. Hydrogen overpotential decreases with decrease in the pH of the solution. © 1970, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.