Catalytic Decomposition and Anodic Current‐Potential Characteristics of Methanol on Active Palladium in Alkaline Solution

Methanol was found to decompose into hydrogen and on active palladium immersed in alkaline solution containing methanol. The hydrogen evolution rate was examined by using a hydrogen permeating foil electrode. From the concentration dependency of the evolution rate, the catalytic decomposition was found to proceed through the reaction, (liquid‐solid interface) and (gas‐solid interface). The current‐potential characteristics during anodic polarization recorded in the low current‐density region showed two steps, which could be elucidated by taking the above mechanism into consideration. Decomposition mechanism also dealt with standard potential.