ИСТИНА

Electrooxidation of hydrogen on CeNi3 and CeNi5 is studied in relation to their hydride forming properties. Both intermetallic compounds are tested as the catalysts in gas-diffusion electrodes by measuring anodic polarization curves in alkaline solution. It is assumed that hydrogen oxidation on hydride forming materials can proceed via two routes: interfacial oxidation of dissolved molecular hydrogen or oxidation of hydrogen absorbed by intermetallic compound. The second rout is possible only for CeNi3, as CeNi5 demonstrates too high equilibrium pressure of hydride formation. Electrode preparation as well as electrode activation conditions are optimized. Influence of catalyst pretreatment is discussed.