Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 February 2011
The microscopic mechanism of the operation of the well - known “nickel” electrode involves the transport of protons through an outer layer of the Ni(OH)2 phase to the two-phase Ni(OH)2/NiOOH boundary, where the electrochemical reaction takes place. This boundary is displaced as the reaction proceeds. When it reaches the outer surface so that the NiOOH phase is in contact with the electrolyte, an additional process takes place, resulting in the rapid evolution of gaseous oxygen. Interpretation of the available thermodynamic data in terms of ternary phase equilibria shows that the equilibrium electrode potential should be more positive than that for the decomposition of water, as is experimentally observed.