Development of a highly durable anode for electrogalvanizing lines

We have developed highly durable IrO2-Ta2O5/Ti electrodes as an oxygen evol ution anode in electrogalvanizing lines (EGLs). The morphological and compo sitional changes of the IrO2-Ta2O5, coating during anodic electrolysis have been investigated in order to improve the durability of the electrode in c ommercial EGLs. Based on the experimental findings obtained, the deteriorat ion mechanism of the coating layer and the dominant factor to determine the electrode lifetime were examined. A key point to prolong the lifetime is t he corrosion inhibition of the titanium substrate, which is induced by the penetration of an electrolytic solution into the coating layer. The densifi cation of the coating layer and the formation of a corrosion-resistive inte rlayer between the coating layer and the titanium substrate have successful ly achieved the improved durability. The performance of the advanced IrO2-T a2O5/Ti electrode is shown.