This field unites all other areas of electrochemistry…

Tafel Equation

Tafel J. Über die Polarisation bei kathodischer Wasserstoffentwicklung // Z. phys. Chem. 1905. Bd. 50U. S. 641-712.

Butler – Erdey-Grúz – Volmer Equation

This famous Equation (more typically named Butler-Volmer Equation) was shaped step-by step in the following original articles:

Butler J.A.V. Studies in heterogeneous equilibria. Part II. The kinetic interpretation of the Nernst theory of electromotive force // Trans. Faraday Soc. 1924. V. 19. P. 729–733. In the same volume: Pt I, P. 659-665, and Pt III, P. 734-739.

Audubert R. Conception cin´etique de la pile // J. Chim. Phys. 1924. V. 21. P. 351–352.

Erdey-Grúz T., Volmer M. Zur Theorie der Wasserstoff Überspannung // Z. phys. Chem. 1930. Bd. 150A. S. 203-213.

Explanations related to later modifications of this equation can be found in J. Electroanal. Chem. 2020. V. 872. Art. 114145. See also the historical comments of G. Inzelt and V.D. Ivanov.

Very early theory

Horiuti J., Polanyi M. Grundlinien einer Theorie der Protonenübertragung. Elektrolytische Dissoziation; Prototropie; spontane Ionisation und elektrolytische Abscheidung von Wasserstoff au Elektroden; Wasserstoffionenkatalyse // Acta Physicochim. URSS. 1935. V. 2. P. 505-532.