A unique electrode potential characteristic of a metal, and a theory for the mechanism of electrode potential

Abstract Metal electrodes immersed in air free solutions of KCl were found to come to a definite reproducible potential. From the Nernst expression, this potential corresponds to a certain concentration in the solution of the ion of the electrode metal. Chemical analysis showed that the concentration that actually exists in the bulk of the solution is much smaller than that deduced from the potential, even after electrode and solution have been in contact for weeks. It was felt that a knowledge of the cause of this definite potential was fundamental to the general investigation of the potentials of metals in solutions of varying aeration, pH, and salt concentration, a subject of great practical importance which is at present in rather an indefinite and unsatisfactory condition.