Electrocatalytic Hydrogen‐Evolution at the Pyrolytic Graphite Electrode in the Presence of Hydrogenase

Abstract

The electrocatalytic hydrogen‐evolution at the pyrolytic graphite electrode has been studied by cyclic voltammetry. This reaction has been achieved for solutions containing the redox protein Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough) hydrogenase and a polycationic species poly‐L‐lysine. The effect of several parameters (concentrations, molecular weight of poly‐L‐lysine) on the electrocatalytic reaction has been investigated. Using small‐overpotential conditions it has been shown that this electrode has the hydrogen‐electrode function. Its stability has been examined using cyclic voltammetry and impedance measurements.