Behaviour of lead electrodes in sulphate electrolytes. II. Investigation of the electrode kinetics

The behaviour of lead electrodes in 0.5 M sulphuric acid has been investigated. The electrodes were of the type III variety, which were prepared by alternately cycling the lead electrodes through the Pb/PbSO₄ potential and hydrogen evolution. On these electrodes and at this concentration of electrolyte it proved possible to record highly reproducible experimental data. Various techniques were employed to investigate the Pb PbSO₄ reaction, including linear potential scans and potential steps. The electrode kinetics are discussed and, where possible, compared with theoretical models.