What Is a Titanium-Based Platinum-Plated Anode?

he titanium-based platinum-plated anode has become an indispensable component in modern electrochemical industries. Known for its exceptional corrosion resistance, superior conductivity, and extended service life, this advanced anode material is widely used in fields such as electroplating, electrolysis, water treatment, and fuel cells. As industries evolve toward more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions, the demand for titanium-based platinum-plated anodes continues to grow rapidly.

What Is a Titanium-Based Platinum-Plated Anode?
Definition and Composition
A titanium-based platinum-plated anode is a composite electrode where a base of pure titanium is coated with a thin layer of platinum or platinum group metals (PGMs). This platinum coating provides excellent electrocatalytic properties, making it suitable for a wide range of anodic reactions in aggressive chemical environments.

Base material: Commercially pure titanium (Grade 1 or Grade 2)

Coating: Platinum or platinum-iridium alloy

Method: Electroplating or thermal decomposition

Why Use Titanium as the Substrate?
Titanium is highly valued in electrochemistry due to:

Outstanding corrosion resistance

Excellent mechanical strength

Lightweight yet durable structure

Good electrical conductivity (when plated)

When coated with platinum, titanium becomes the ideal anode substrate, maintaining stability even in acidic or oxidative solutions.

Key Features of Titanium-Based Platinum-Plated Anode
1. Exceptional Corrosion Resistance
The combination of titanium and platinum ensures durability even in harsh media such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, or chloride-rich electrolytes. This minimizes electrode degradation and extends service life.

2. High Electrocatalytic Activity
Platinum is among the best known electrocatalysts for a variety of oxidation reactions. It reduces energy consumption and increases current efficiency during processes like:

Electroplating

Electrolytic oxidation

Chlorine and oxygen evolution

3. Long Service Life
Thanks to its robust structure and chemical stability, a titanium-based platinum-plated anode can operate for several years with minimal maintenance, especially when used within recommended current densities.

4. Uniform Coating and High Adhesion
Using advanced plating techniques, the platinum coating on titanium adheres tightly and uniformly, preventing flaking or peeling even under heavy loads.

5. Energy Efficiency
With low overpotential and superior conductivity, this anode helps reduce electricity costs, making industrial processes more energy-efficient.

Applications of Titanium-Based Platinum-Plated Anodes
1. Electroplating Industry
In precious metal electroplating, titanium-based platinum-plated anodes are used to ensure:

Smooth metal deposition

Minimal contamination

High-quality surface finishes

These anodes are especially effective for plating gold, platinum, rhodium, and nickel.

2. Electrolytic Water Treatment
Used in electrochemical oxidation (EO) and electrocoagulation (EC) systems, platinum-coated titanium anodes aid in:

Decomposing organic pollutants

Disinfecting water by generating active oxygen species

Removing heavy metals and ammonia nitrogen

3. Hydrogen Production via Water Electrolysis
In PEM electrolyzers and alkaline electrolyzers, titanium-based platinum-plated anodes are used at the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) side, delivering:

High catalytic activity

Low overpotential

Long-term operational stability

4. Cathodic Protection
These anodes serve in impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems for pipelines, marine structures, and storage tanks, preventing corrosion of metal components.

5. Fuel Cells and Batteries
In proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and certain types of lithium batteries, platinum-coated titanium components are used as current collectors or anodes to boost performance and durability.

Manufacturing Process of Platinum-Plated Titanium Anodes
Step-by-Step Process
Titanium Surface Preparation
Degreasing, acid pickling, and rinsing to ensure a clean and active surface.

Platinum Electroplating
Platinum is deposited via electrochemical methods under controlled temperature, current, and plating time.

Heat Treatment (Optional)
To enhance adhesion and crystallinity of the platinum coating.

Quality Inspection
Thickness, uniformity, and adhesion of the coating are tested using XRF analyzers and pull-off tests.

Coating Thickness Options
Typical platinum thicknesses range from:

1.5 μm to 5.0 μm for general use

10 μm or more for high-load applications

Thicker coatings increase service life but also raise production cost.

Compared to MMO (Mixed Metal Oxide) anodes, platinum-plated titanium offers higher electrocatalytic activity and cleaner output, making it preferred for medical, aerospace, and high-end plating applications.

Technical Specifications
Base Material：Grade 1 or Grade 2 Titanium
Coating Material：Pure Platinum or Pt-Ir Alloy
Coating Method：Electroplating or Thermal Deposition
Coating Thickness：1.5 μm to 20 μm
Current Density：Up to 100 A/dm²
Operating Temperature：Up to 80–90°C
Service Life：3–10 years (depending on usage)

How to Choose the Right Titanium-Based Platinum-Plated Anode
Factors to Consider
Electrolyte Composition
Acidic, alkaline, or neutral? Chloride content?

Current Density and Load
High-current processes need thicker coatings.

Expected Lifespan
Industrial applications may require heavy-duty specifications.

Budget Constraints
Balance between cost and performance by adjusting coating thickness.

Why Choose Our Titanium-Based Platinum-Plated Anodes?
Our company specializes in custom manufacturing of titanium-based platinum-plated anodes with:

Over 15 years of R&D and production experience

Strict quality control in plating thickness and adhesion

ISO 9001-certified manufacturing standards

OEM and ODM services for custom applications

We serve industries including:

Electronics

Petrochemical

Renewable Energy

Environmental Engineering

Client Testimonials
“We’ve been using their titanium-based platinum-plated anodes for three years in our PCB plating lines. The consistency and durability are excellent.”
— Michael T., Chief Engineer, Electronics Manufacturing Firm (USA)

“In wastewater treatment, performance and lifespan are critical. These platinum anodes exceed expectations in both.”
— Dr. Chen, Water Treatment Plant Operator (Singapore)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How long does a titanium-based platinum-plated anode last?
A: Lifespan depends on coating thickness and current density. Typically ranges from 3 to 10 years under normal operation.

Q2: Can the anode be refurbished or recoated?
A: Yes, worn-out anodes can be stripped and replated, extending their usable life.

Q3: What is the typical lead time for custom anodes?
A: Standard production time is 2–4 weeks, depending on order volume and customization.

Conclusion: Titanium-Based Platinum-Plated Anodes Are the Future of Electrochemistry
The titanium-based platinum-plated anode stands as a benchmark of quality and performance in the electrochemical industry. Its unmatched resistance to corrosion, high efficiency, and long-lasting nature make it a superior choice for demanding applications such as electroplating, water treatment, and hydrogen production.

Whether you're upgrading your plating line or building a next-generation electrolyzer, investing in high-quality platinum-coated titanium anodes can significantly improve process reliability and reduce long-term operational costs.

Contact Us
For more information, custom inquiries, or to request a free technical consultation, please contact us:

Baoji City ShenAo Metal Materials Co., Ltd.
Email: zh@baojiti.com.cn
Website: www.shenaocladplate.com

Let us help you find the perfect titanium-based platinum-plated anode for your industrial needs.