Dear all,
I am doing the classical Devanathan - Stachurski experiment with acid electrolyte. The above observation needs an explanation. Also, once I perform a run with a fresh Pd foil, for the next run the Pd seems to be deactivated, that is the current density is 1/10th the value on a fresh foil even when I am working in potential window where Pd hydride does not form.
Thank you
Does it happen only when the first charging rate is high or happens irrespective of any charging rate?
Is it possible that the Pd is partially charged with hydrogen already from the previous run? I mean, if the current on the charging side is cathodic and below Eeq for hydrogen reaction, hydrogen will be generated and charge the Pd with hydrogen. In that case, maybe anodically polarizing the Pd between experiments to oxidize and release the hydrogen will restore the charging rate.
(Edit: should read: "if the current on the charging side is cathodic and the _potential_ is below Eeq for the hydrogen reaction . . . ")
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