What Is an MMO Titanium Anode?

The MMO titanium anode (Mixed Metal Oxide titanium anode) is one of the most widely used electrochemical electrodes in modern industries. It is known for its excellent electrochemical performance, long service life, and resistance to corrosion in harsh environments. Compared with traditional graphite or lead-based anodes, MMO titanium anodes offer higher efficiency, lower operating costs, and a more environmentally friendly solution for electrochemical processes.
What Is an MMO Titanium Anode?

An MMO titanium anode is a titanium substrate coated with a layer of mixed metal oxides, typically including ruthenium oxide (RuO₂) and iridium oxide (IrO₂). These coatings provide the anode with high electro-catalytic activity and stability. The titanium base ensures mechanical strength, while the MMO coating provides excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance.

Key Features of MMO Titanium Anodes

Corrosion resistance: Titanium itself forms a protective oxide film, and with MMO coating, it performs exceptionally well in aggressive electrolytes.

High catalytic activity: MMO coatings lower the overpotential for chlorine and oxygen evolution reactions.

Long service life: Depending on the electrolyte, current density, and coating composition, service life can exceed 15 years.

Low energy consumption: Reduced cell voltage results in significant energy savings.

Customizable design: MMO titanium anodes can be manufactured in various shapes such as mesh, plate, rod, tube, or custom geometry.

Manufacturing Process of MMO Titanium Anodes

The production of an MMO titanium anode involves several precision steps that ensure strong adhesion of the coating and long-term performance in electrochemical cells.

1. Titanium Substrate Preparation

High-purity titanium plates, rods, or mesh (usually Gr1 or Gr2) are selected as the base material.

The titanium surface undergoes sandblasting or acid pickling to remove oxide films and enhance surface roughness for better coating adhesion.

2. Coating Application

A precursor solution containing noble metal salts (Ru, Ir, or Ta compounds) is applied to the titanium surface.

The coating is applied using brushing, dipping, or spraying techniques, depending on the required thickness.

3. Thermal Decomposition

After application, the coated titanium is subjected to a high-temperature thermal decomposition process (typically 400–500°C).

This process converts the precursor into stable metal oxides and ensures strong adhesion to the titanium substrate.

4. Multiple Layering

Several coating and heating cycles are performed to achieve the desired thickness and electrochemical properties.

The number of cycles determines the durability and efficiency of the MMO titanium anode.

5. Quality Control

Each MMO titanium anode is tested for coating adhesion, electrochemical performance, and dimensional accuracy before being shipped to clients.

Industrial Applications of MMO Titanium Anodes

The versatility of MMO titanium anodes allows them to be used across multiple industries.

1. Chlor-Alkali Industry

In chlor-alkali production, MMO titanium anodes replace traditional graphite electrodes to generate chlorine and caustic soda. They provide higher efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and extend the operational life of electrolysis cells.

2. Water Treatment and Disinfection

Swimming pool chlorination: MMO titanium anodes are widely used in on-site chlorine generators for pools.

Municipal wastewater treatment: They generate active chlorine and oxygen species that destroy harmful microorganisms.

Seawater desalination: Anodes prevent biofouling by producing oxidants in reverse osmosis systems.

3. Electroplating and Metal Finishing

Used in chromium plating, gold plating, and rhodium plating processes.

Provide stable current distribution and improve plating quality.

Reduce environmental pollution compared with lead-based anodes.

4. Cathodic Protection

Protects offshore oil platforms, pipelines, and ship hulls from corrosion.

MMO titanium anodes ensure reliable, maintenance-free operation even in seawater environments.

5. Electrowinning and Electrorefining

Applied in copper, zinc, cobalt, and manganese electrowinning industries.

MMO titanium anodes provide efficient metal recovery from ores and waste solutions.

Technical Parameters of MMO Titanium Anodes

When selecting an MMO titanium anode, several technical parameters are considered:

Coating composition: Common options include RuO₂-IrO₂, IrO₂-Ta₂O₅, or RuO₂-TiO₂ depending on the application.

Operating current density: Typically ranges from 50 to 2000 A/m².

Anode shape and dimension: Mesh, plate, rod, tube, wire, or custom shapes.

Service life: 5 to 20 years, depending on operating conditions.

Cell voltage: Lower than traditional electrodes, leading to reduced power consumption.

Advantages of MMO Titanium Anodes
1. Environmental Benefits

Unlike lead dioxide or graphite electrodes, MMO titanium anodes do not release toxic substances into the environment.

2. Cost-Effectiveness

Although the initial cost is higher, the long service life and reduced energy consumption make MMO titanium anodes more economical over time.

3. Stable Performance

They provide uniform current distribution, ensuring consistent electrochemical reactions and high-quality end products.

4. Flexible Design

Available in customizable geometries, they can fit into different electrolysis cell designs.

Case Studies of MMO Titanium Anode Applications
1: Wastewater Treatment Plant in Europe

A municipal wastewater treatment facility replaced graphite electrodes with MMO titanium anodes in its disinfection system. The result was a 25% reduction in energy consumption and significantly improved water quality.

2: Chromium Plating Line in Asia

A leading plating company adopted MMO titanium mesh anodes for hard chrome plating. Compared with lead-based anodes, the new system increased plating efficiency by 20% and reduced environmental impact.

3: Offshore Oil Platform in the Middle East

An offshore platform used MMO titanium tubular anodes for cathodic protection. After 10 years of operation, the anodes continued to perform reliably without major maintenance.
The MMO titanium anode is an advanced solution for electrochemical industries requiring durability, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. From chlor-alkali production to wastewater treatment and cathodic protection, these anodes provide unmatched performance.

Contact Us

Baoji City Shenao Metal Materials Co., Ltd.
Email: zh@baojiti.com.cn
Website: www.shenaocladplate.com
Telephone18729731603