Precise definitions are given of three thermodynamic parameters which characterize the water-electrolysis reaction: the enthalpic voltage, the higherheating-value voltage, and the thermoneutral voltage. Expressions are derived for these parameters and for the reversible potential, as functions of temperature between 25 ~ and 250~ and of pressure between 1 and 100 arm. Heat losses due to radiation, convection, and conduction are also considered, and a thermal-balance voltage is defined; representative values are calculated. Electrical-energy efficiency is related to the characteristic parameters, and thermodynamic limitations on its value are discussed. * Electrochemical Society Active Member. ABSTRACTThe behavior of gold electrodes in alkaline cyanide solution was studied using potentiostatic and potentiodynamic techniques. The results showed that the three anodic current peaks found in both steady-state and potential sweep experiments resulted from passivation of the gold cyanide dissolution reaction Au + 2CN---> Au(CN)2-+ e-) unless CC License in place (see abstract). ecsdl.org/site/terms_use address. Redistribution subject to ECS terms of use (see 138.251.14.35 Downloaded on 2014-12-01 to IP