What is a Titanium Oxide Electrode?

What is a Titanium Oxide Electrode?

A titanium oxide electrode is an electrochemical electrode made from a titanium substrate coated with a layer of titanium oxide (TiO₂) or mixed metal oxides (MMO). The electrode’s core material, titanium, is chosen for its excellent mechanical strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance. The oxide coating enhances conductivity and provides catalytic activity for electrochemical reactions.

Key Characteristics of Titanium Oxide Electrodes

Base material: Pure titanium (Grade 1 or Grade 2)

Coating: Titanium dioxide or mixed oxides of titanium, ruthenium, and iridium

Conductivity: High electro-catalytic efficiency

Durability: Long service life in acidic and alkaline environments

Eco-friendliness: Non-toxic and recyclable material

How Does a Titanium Oxide Electrode Work?

The titanium oxide electrode works by conducting electrical current through its oxide-coated surface, allowing electrochemical reactions such as oxidation, reduction, and chlorine evolution to occur efficiently.

Electrochemical Principle

Titanium provides mechanical support.

Titanium oxide coating acts as the active electro-catalyst.

When current passes through the electrode, ions in the electrolyte undergo oxidation or reduction.

This principle makes titanium oxide electrodes highly effective in applications like wastewater purification, metal recovery, and electroplating.

Advantages of Titanium Oxide Electrodes
1. High Corrosion Resistance

Titanium oxide electrodes resist corrosion in aggressive chemical environments, including acidic and chloride-rich solutions.

2. Long Service Life

Compared with conventional electrodes, titanium oxide electrodes last longer, reducing replacement costs.

3. Excellent Electro-Catalytic Activity

The oxide coating provides high electro-catalytic efficiency, making reactions faster and more energy-efficient.

4. Low Maintenance

Minimal cleaning and reduced downtime improve industrial productivity.

5. Environmental Benefits

Unlike lead-based electrodes, titanium oxide electrodes are environmentally friendly and comply with sustainable development goals.

Technical Parameters of Titanium Oxide Electrodes

When choosing a titanium oxide electrode, several technical parameters must be considered:

Substrate Options

Pure titanium Grade 1 (soft, high ductility)

Pure titanium Grade 2 (higher strength, general use)

Coating Composition

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂)

Mixed metal oxides (Ti, Ru, Ir, Ta) for enhanced performance

Electrical Performance

Current density: 1000–5000 A/m²

Voltage range: 1.5–12 V

Temperature resistance: up to 80–90°C

Service Life

Chlorine evolution reaction: 2–5 years

Oxygen evolution reaction: 5–10 years

Industrial Applications of Titanium Oxide Electrodes
1. Wastewater Treatment

In wastewater treatment, titanium oxide electrodes help in the oxidation of organic pollutants, ammonia, and cyanide compounds. They improve COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) and BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) removal efficiency.

2. Electroplating and Metal Finishing

Titanium oxide electrodes are used in chromium plating, copper plating, and precious metal recovery. Their stability ensures consistent electro-deposition.

3. Seawater Desalination

They are applied in electrolytic processes to prevent biofouling and scaling in seawater desalination plants.

4. Chemical Production

Titanium oxide electrodes are used in producing chlorine, caustic soda, and hydrogen via electrolysis.

5. Energy Storage Systems

In advanced energy industries, titanium oxide electrodes are researched for use in batteries, supercapacitors, and hydrogen production.

Comparison with Other Electrodes
Titanium Oxide Electrode vs. Graphite Electrode

Longer lifespan than graphite electrodes

Better corrosion resistance

More stable under high current densities

Titanium Oxide Electrode vs. Lead Dioxide Electrode

Environmentally friendly alternative to toxic lead dioxide electrodes

Similar or better electro-catalytic efficiency

Reduced environmental risk in disposal

Market Trends of Titanium Oxide Electrodes

The global demand for titanium oxide electrodes is increasing due to:

Stricter environmental regulations requiring advanced wastewater treatment

Growth in electroplating and surface finishing industries

Expansion of renewable energy and hydrogen production technologies

Analysts predict that the titanium oxide electrode market will grow steadily over the next decade, driven by sustainability requirements and technological innovations.

Why Choose Our Titanium Oxide Electrode?

At Baoji City ShenAo Metal Materials Co., Ltd., we specialize in manufacturing high-quality titanium oxide electrodes with:

Customized substrate and coating options

Advanced production via thermal decomposition and brushing techniques

Strict quality control for consistency and durability

Global export capabilities for electrochemical industries

Conclusion

The titanium oxide electrode is a reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly solution for a wide range of electrochemical industries. From wastewater treatment and electroplating to energy storage and chemical production, this electrode continues to play a vital role in advancing industrial efficiency and sustainability.

With its unique combination of durability, corrosion resistance, and electro-catalytic activity, the titanium oxide electrode is not just a product but a key enabler of modern industrial innovation.

Contact us today to learn more about our titanium oxide electrode solutions and how they can enhance your industrial operations.

Baoji City Shenao Metal Materials Co., Ltd.
Address: Wenquan Industrial Park, Baoji High-tech Zone
Contact Number: 18729731603
Website: https://shenaocladplate.com
Email: zhtc4ta2n6@163.com.cn