The electrolytical behavior of 16 commercial alloys was investigated as cathodic material to hydrogen evolution. The results were compared with SAE1020 and N1200, used as standards. The electrolytic experiments were carried out in controlled current (240 and 345 mA cm(-2)), intercalated by polarization at undercurrent condition. The analysis of the potential stability during the electrolytic process shows that the following alloys are advantageous to substitute the mild steel currently used: 2RK65, SAF2304, SAF2507, C22 and MONELK500. Surprisingly, SAF2205 alloy showed as far as 250 mV less cathodic to hydrogen evolution reaction, becoming a very promising material for hydrogen evolution. (C) 2003 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.