MMO Titanium Anodes for Electropolishing

Wstitanium is a Chinese manufacturer and supplier of titanium anodes. Its chlorine-evolving and oxygen-evolving titanium anodes include iridium, ruthenium, and platinum anodes. These anodes are used in chlor-alkali industries, marine, shipbuilding, electroplating, electrolysis, hydrometallurgy, wastewater treatment, and cathodic protection.

Michin.Mu

20+ YEARS EXPERIENCE SENIOR BUSINESS MANAGER

Ask Michin For What You Want?

Wstitanium provides high-performance, long-life, and customized titanium anode solutions for the electropolishing industry. Titanium anodes have low oxygen evolution overpotential, reducing energy consumption by 20-30% compared to traditional lead anodes. Under normal operating conditions, they have a lifespan of up to 10 years and comply with RoHS and REACH standards. Uniform current distribution ensures a consistent polishing effect on complex-shaped workpieces.

MMO Coating System For Electropolishing

Electropolishing is typically performed in a strongly acidic electrolyte, primarily involving the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Wstitanium selects the most suitable coating formulation for you based on different electrolyte compositions, operating current densities, temperatures, and polishing requirements. All coatings are prepared using internationally advanced thermal decomposition technology, ensuring uniformity, density, and strong adhesion.

70% IrO₂ + 30% Ta₂O₅

Iridium-tantalum based coatings are the most commonly used and highest-performing coating systems. Iridium dioxide (IrO₂) possesses extremely high oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalytic activity and chemical stability. Tantalum pentoxide (Ta₂O₅) acts as a stabilizer, significantly improving the coating’s corrosion resistance and adhesion to the titanium substrate.

85% IrO₂ + 15% Ta₂O₅

Compared to standard iridium-tantalum coatings(70% IrO₂ + 30% Ta₂O₅),  85% IrO₂ + 15% Ta₂O₅ coating exhibits higher oxygen evolution potential (OEP) catalytic activity. OEP potential ≤ 1.40 V (vs SCE). It operates at higher temperatures and higher current densities.

Ruthenium-Iridium-Titanium Anode

Gradient-structured Iridium-Tantalum Coating

The coating elements gradually change from the titanium substrate to the outermost layer. The side closer to the titanium substrate has a higher Ta₂O₅ content, improving the adhesion between the coating and the substrate; while the outermost layer has a higher IrO₂ content, ensuring excellent electrocatalytic activity. Coating adhesion ≥40 MPa, withstands frequent temperature changes, and is not easily detached under mechanical shock and vibration. Lifespan ≥10 years. More uniform current distribution, improving polishing quality.

Gradient structured Iridium-Tantalum Coating

IrO₂-RuO₂-TiO₂

Iridium-ruthenium based coatings exhibit excellent catalytic activity in both oxygen evolution and chloride evolution reactions. They are suitable for electrolytic polishing electrolyte systems containing chloride ions. Ruthenium dioxide (RuO₂) possesses extremely high conductivity and chloride evolution catalytic activity. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) acts as a stabilizer, improving the chemical stability of the coating.

IrO₂-RuO₂-TiO₂ Coating

Platinum Coating

High-purity platinum (99.99%) is deposited onto the surface of a titanium substrate via electroplating or magnetron sputtering. Platinum possesses extremely high chemical stability and excellent electrocatalytic performance.

Platinum Coating Titanium Anodes

Comparison of MMO Titanium Anodes

To help you understand the performance differences between different coating systems more intuitively, Wstitanium has conducted a comprehensive parameter comparison of various MMO titanium anode coatings used in electropolishing. All data are based on standard test conditions in the Wstitanium laboratory and reference international authoritative standards and literature.

Comparison of Physicochemical Parameters

Parameters 70% IrO₂+30% Ta₂O₅ 85% IrO₂+15% Ta₂O₅ Gradient Ir-Ta IrO₂-RuO₂-TiO₂ Pt IrO₂-Ta₂O₅-Pt IrO₂-Ta₂O₅-SnO₂-Sb₂O₅
Composition IrO₂, Ta₂O₅ IrO₂, Ta₂O₅ IrO₂, Ta₂O₅ IrO₂, RuO₂, TiO₂ Pt IrO₂, Ta₂O₅, Pt IrO₂, Ta₂O₅, SnO₂, Sb₂O₅
Precious Metal Loading 10–15 g/m² 15–20 g/m² 18–25 g/m² 10–15 g/m² 1–10 g/m² 12–18 g/m² 8–20 g/m²
Coating Thickness 8–12 μm 12–18 μm 15–20 μm 8–12 μm 0.5–5.0 μm 8–15 μm 8–12 μm
Adhesion Strength ≥30 MPa ≥35 MPa ≥40 MPa ≥25 MPa ≥20 MPa ≥35 MPa ≥30 MPa
Resistivity ≤5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m ≤4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m ≤3×10⁻⁷ Ω·m ≤2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m ≤1×10⁻⁷ Ω·m ≤3.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m ≤4.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m
Surface Roughness Ra 1.5–2.5 μm 1.2–2.0 μm 1.0–1.8 μm 1.8–3.0 μm 0.2–0.8 μm 0.8–1.5 μm 1.6–2.8 μm
Porosity <0.1% <0.05% <0.03% <0.15% <0.01% <0.04% <0.12%
Thermal Expansion Coefficient 7.5–8.5×10⁻⁶/℃ 7.2–8.2×10⁻⁶/℃ 7.0–8.0×10⁻⁶/℃ 7.8–8.8×10⁻⁶/℃ 8.8–9.2×10⁻⁶/℃ 7.3–8.3×10⁻⁶/℃ 7.6–8.6×10⁻⁶/℃

Electrochemical Performance Comparison

Parameters 70% IrO₂ + 30% Ta₂O₅ 85% IrO₂ + 15% Ta₂O₅ Gradient Ir-Ta IrO₂-RuO₂-TiO₂ Pt IrO₂-Ta₂O₅-Pt IrO₂, Ta₂O₅, SnO₂, Sb₂O₅
Oxygen Evolution Potential (V vs SCE)
@2000 A/m², 1mol/L H₂SO₄
≤1.45 ≤1.40 ≤1.38 ≤1.50 ≤1.35 ≤1.37 ≤1.48
Chlorine Evolution Potential (V vs SCE)
@2000 A/m², 0.5mol/L NaCl
≤1.60 ≤1.58 ≤1.55 ≤1.13 ≤1.45 ≤1.52 ≤1.62
Polarization Rate (mV/decade) 40-50 35-45 30-40 30-40 25-35 32-42 42-52
Current Density 100-3000 A/m² 500-5000 A/m² 500-6000 A/m² 100-2000 A/m² 1000-15000 A/m² 500-5000 A/m² 100-3000 A/m²
Maximum Current Density 5000 A/m² 8000 A/m² 10000 A/m² 3000 A/m² 20000 A/m² 8000 A/m² 4000 A/m²
Current Efficiency ≥92% ≥94% ≥95% ≥90% ≥98% ≥95% ≥90%
Cell Voltage (V)
@2000 A/m²
3.5-4.5 3.2-4.2 3.0-4.0 3.8-4.8 3.0-4.0 3.1-4.1 3.6-4.6
Open Circuit Potential (V vs SCE) 0.8-1.0 0.9-1.1 0.9-1.1 0.7-0.9 1.0-1.2 0.9-1.1 0.8-1.0

Operating Condition Comparison

Parameters 70% IrO₂ + 30% Ta₂O₅ 85% IrO₂ + 15% Ta₂O₅ Gradient Ir-Ta IrO₂-RuO₂-TiO₂ Pt IrO₂-Ta₂O₅-Pt IrO₂, Ta₂O₅, SnO₂, Sb₂O₅
pH 0-14 0-14 0-14 0-12 0-14 0-14 0-12
Max Temperature (℃) 80 95 100 70 120 90 75
Fluoride Ion Resistance Medium Good Excellent Excellent Excellent Good Medium
Fluoride Ion Tolerance (mg/L) <50 <80 <100 <30 <200 <70 <40
Thermal Shock Resistance Good Good Excellent Medium Good Good Medium
Impact Resistance Good Good Excellent Medium Good Good Medium
Passivation Resistance Good Excellent Excellent Good Excellent Excellent Good
Pollution Resistance Good Good Excellent Medium Excellent Excellent Good

Lifespan vs. Cost Comparison

Parameters 70% IrO₂ + 30% Ta₂O₅ 85% IrO₂ + 15% Ta₂O₅ Gradient Ir-Ta IrO₂-RuO₂-TiO₂ Pt IrO₂-Ta₂O₅-Pt IrO₂, Ta₂O₅, SnO₂, Sb₂O₅
Accelerated Life Test (hours)
@20000 A/m², 1mol/L H₂SO₄
>1500 >2500 >3500 >1000 >5000* >3000 >1200
Service Life (years) ≥5 ≥8 ≥10 ≥3 ≥5 ≥7 ≥4
Relative Cost 1 1.5 2 0.8 2.5-10.0 1.8 0.9
Annual Average Cost 1 0.94 0.8 1.07 2.0-5.0 1.03 0.9
Recyclable & Re-coatable Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Re-coating Cost Ratio 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.8 0.7 0.6
Return on Investment (ROI) Period (months) 12-18 10-15 8-12 15-20 18-36 12-16 10-16

* Note: Accelerated life test results for platinum-based coatings are directly related to coating thickness. Data in the table is based on a 2μm platinum coating.

** Note: The lifespan of platinum-based coatings is closely related to current density and coating thickness. At low current densities, thick platinum coatings can have a lifespan exceeding 10 years.

Application Scenario Comparison

Application 70% IrO₂ + 30% Ta₂O₅ 85% IrO₂ + 15% Ta₂O₅ Gradient Ir-Ta IrO₂-RuO₂-TiO₂ Pt IrO₂-Ta₂O₅-Pt IrO₂, Ta₂O₅, SnO₂, Sb₂O₅
Stainless Steel Polishing ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆
Aluminum Alloy Polishing ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆
Copper Polishing ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆
Titanium-Gold Polishing ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆
Chloride-Containing Electrolyte ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆
High Current Density ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆
High Temperature Electrolyte ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆
Precision Parts Polishing ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆
Large-Scale Production ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★
High Reliability ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆
Cost Sensitivity ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★

MMO Titanium Anode Structure Categories

Wstitanium manufactures MMO titanium anodes in various shapes and sizes to meet your electropolishing equipment and technical requirements. Different anode shapes offer different current distribution characteristics and are suitable for different applications. Choosing the appropriate anode shape is crucial for achieving uniform polishing results, improving efficiency, and reducing energy consumption.

Plate Anode

The plate-shaped anode is made of titanium plates that have been cut, welded, and surface-treated before being coated with an MMO coating. It features a smooth surface and high mechanical strength.

MMO Titanium Plate Anode
Parameters Customization Range Default
Base Material Gr 1 Ti, Gr 2 Ti, Gr 5 Ti Grade 2 Titanium
Thickness 0.5 mm - 20 mm 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 3.0 mm, 5.0 mm
Length Max 2000 mm 100 mm, 200 mm, 500 mm, 1000 mm, 1500 mm, 2000 mm
Width Max 1000 mm 100 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, 500 mm, 1000 mm
Hole Type No hole, Round hole, Square hole, Slotted hole Round hole
Hole Diameter φ2 mm - φ50 mm φ3 mm, φ5 mm, φ8 mm, φ10 mm, φ15 mm
Hole Pitch 5 mm - 100 mm 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm
Open Area Ratio 0% - 70% 30%, 40%, 50%
Edge Cutting, Grinding, Bending Grinding
Conductive Rod Material Titanium, Copper Titanium
Conductive Rod Diameter φ6 mm - φ30 mm φ10 mm, φ12 mm, φ16 mm, φ20 mm
Conductive Rod Length 50 mm - 500 mm 100 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm
Connection Welding, Bolt Connection Welding
Coating Thickness 5 μm - 25 μm 8-12 μm

Mesh Anode

Mesh anodes, made of titanium mesh, are one of the most popular anode shapes for electropolishing applications. The porous structure of the titanium mesh provides a larger specific surface area and better electrolyte flow. The mesh openings are square or rectangular, with wire diameters typically ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 mm. Mesh apertures range from 1×1 mm to 10×10 mm.

MMO Titanium Mesh Anode
Parameters Customization Default Options
Base Material Grade 1 Titanium, Grade 2 Titanium Grade 2 Titanium
Mesh Type Woven Mesh, Expanded Mesh Expanded Mesh
Titanium Wire / Plate Thickness 0.3 mm - 3.0 mm 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm
Mesh Aperture Size 1×1 mm - 20×40 mm 2.5×5 mm, 3×6 mm, 4×8 mm, 5×10 mm
Length Max 2000 mm 100 mm, 200 mm, 500 mm, 1000 mm, 1500 mm, 2000 mm
Width Max 1000 mm 100 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, 500 mm, 1000 mm
Frame Titanium Titanium
Frame Thickness 1.0 mm - 5.0 mm 2.0 mm, 3.0 mm
Conductive Rod Material Titanium, Copper-Plated Titanium Titanium
Conductive Rod Diameter φ6 mm - φ30 mm φ10 mm, φ12 mm, φ16 mm, φ20 mm
Conductive Rod Length 50 mm - 500 mm 100 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm
Connection Welding, Bolt Connection Welding
Coating Thickness 5 μm - 25 μm 8-12 μm

Tube Anode

The tubular anode is made of seamless titanium tubing and is suitable for electrolytic polishing of the inner and outer surfaces of cylindrical or tubular parts. Titanium rods can be welded to both ends as conductive rods. It features a robust structure and high mechanical strength.

Tubular Titanium Anodes
Parameters Customization Default Options
Base Material Grade 1 Titanium, Grade 2 Titanium Grade 2 Titanium
Outer Diameter φ6 mm - φ200 mm φ10 mm, φ15 mm, φ20 mm, φ25 mm, φ30 mm, φ40 mm, φ50 mm
Wall Thickness 0.3 mm - 5.0 mm 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm
Length Max 6000 mm 100 mm, 200 mm, 500 mm, 1000 mm, 1500 mm, 2000 mm, 3000 mm
Hole Type No hole, Round hole, Slotted hole Round hole
Hole Diameter φ2 mm - φ20 mm φ3 mm, φ5 mm, φ8 mm, φ10 mm
Hole Pitch 10 mm - 100 mm 20 mm, 30 mm, 50 mm
Open Area Ratio 0% - 60% 20%, 30%, 40%
End Part Sealed, Open, Welded Flange Open
Conductive Rod Material Titanium, Copper-Plated Titanium Titanium
Conductive Rod Diameter φ6 mm - φ30 mm φ10 mm, φ12 mm, φ16 mm, φ20 mm
Connection Welding, Threaded Connection, Flange Connection Welding
Coating Thickness 5 μm - 25 μm 8-12 μm
Coating Position Outer Surface, Inner Surface, Inner & Outer Surfaces Outer Surface

Rod Anode

The rod-shaped anode is made of solid titanium rod and is suitable for polishing small parts and internal holes. It features a robust structure and high mechanical strength. Custom sizes and shapes are available upon request.

MMO Titanium Rod Anodes
Parameters Customization Default Options
Base Material Grade 1 Titanium, Grade 2 Titanium Grade 2 Titanium
Outer Diameter φ6 mm - φ200 mm φ10 mm, φ15 mm, φ20 mm, φ25 mm, φ30 mm, φ40 mm, φ50 mm
Wall Thickness 0.3 mm - 5.0 mm 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm
Length Max 6000 mm 100 mm, 200 mm, 500 mm, 1000 mm, 1500 mm, 2000 mm, 3000 mm
Hole Type No hole, Round hole, Slotted hole Round hole
Hole Diameter φ2 mm - φ20 mm φ3 mm, φ5 mm, φ8 mm, φ10 mm
Hole Pitch 10 mm - 100 mm 20 mm, 30 mm, 50 mm
Open Area Ratio 0% - 60% 20%, 30%, 40%
End Part Sealed, Open, Welded Flange Open
Conductive Rod Material Titanium, Copper-Plated Titanium Titanium
Conductive Rod Diameter φ6 mm - φ30 mm φ10 mm, φ12 mm, φ16 mm, φ20 mm
Connection Welding, Threaded Connection, Flange Connection Welding
Coating Thickness 5 μm - 25 μm 8-12 μm
Coating Position Outer Surface, Inner Surface, Inner & Outer Surfaces Outer Surface

Basket- Anodes

Basket-shaped anodes are constructed from titanium mesh or titanium plates welded into a basket-like structure, suitable for batch polishing of small parts. They are typically cylindrical, square, or rectangular in shape and equipped with a handle.

MMO Basket Titanium Anode
Parameters Customization Default Options
Base Material Grade 1 Titanium, Grade 2 Titanium Grade 2 Titanium
Shape Cylindrical, Square, Rectangular, Special-shaped Cylindrical
Diameter / Side Length 50 mm - 1000 mm 100 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, 500 mm
Height 50 mm - 1000 mm 100 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, 500 mm
Mesh Aperture Size 1×1 mm - 10×10 mm 2×2 mm, 3×3 mm, 5×5 mm
Titanium Wire Diameter 0.5 mm - 2.0 mm 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm
Frame Material Titanium Titanium
Frame Thickness 2.0 mm - 5.0 mm 3.0 mm
Handle Material Titanium Titanium
Handle Diameter φ6 mm - φ16 mm φ8 mm, φ10 mm, φ12 mm
Coating Thickness 5 μm - 20 μm 8-12 μm

Custom Anodes of Any Shape

In addition to the standard shapes mentioned above, Wstitanium also manufactures various special-shaped MMO titanium anodes to meet your specific needs. We have invested in advanced CNC machining centers and specialized technology to precisely replicate anodes of any complex shape.

Custom Anodes of Any Shape

FAQ

Wstitanium’s MMO titanium anodes can be used for electropolishing almost all metallic materials, including:

  • Stainless steel: 304, 316, 316L, and various other grades of stainless steel

  • Aluminum alloys: Pure aluminum, aluminum-magnesium alloys, aluminum-silicon alloys, etc.

  • Copper and copper alloys: Pure copper, brass, bronze, etc.

  • Titanium and titanium alloys: Pure titanium, TC4, and other titanium alloys

  • Nickel and nickel alloys: Pure nickel, Hastelloy, Monel, etc.

  • Carbon steel and low-alloy steel

  • Precious metals: Gold, silver, platinum, etc.

Different materials require different electrolyte formulations and technical parameters.

Wstitanium’s technical experts can provide you with appropriate advice.

Wstitanium’s MMO titanium anode products strictly adhere to the following international standards:

  • ASTM B265: Standard for titanium and titanium alloy strips, sheets, and plates.

  • ASTM B338: Standard for seamless and welded titanium tubes for condensers and heat exchangers.

  • ASTM B863: Standard for titanium and titanium alloy wires.

  • ISO 9001:2015: Quality Management System Standard.

  • ISO 19097: Standard for accelerated life testing of mixed metal oxide anodes for cathodic protection.

  • NACE TM0108: Standard for testing catalytic titanium anodes used in soil or natural water.

  • RoHS: Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.

  • REACH: EU Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals.

Products You Want To Know

Get A Quote