Tungsten, Titanium, and Tantalum Carbides and Titanium Nitrides as Electrodes in Redox Systems

An electrochemical study was made of the behavior of tungsten, tantalum, and titanium carbides and of titanium nitride obtained by high-temperature cementation. Polarization curves were obtained for the electrodes in different solutions and under prolonged hydrogen or oxygen discharge on their surfaces in acid solutions. The tungsten carbide electrodes were found to be superior for studies in acid solutions at potentials below that required for oxygen evolution. They cannot be used in alkaline solutions, however, since they then corrode rapidly. Titanium nitride electrodes behave similarly for intermediate potentials. (M.C.G.)