Titanium anode for copper foil electrolysis

Product Introduction

Titanium anodes for electrolytic copper are hailed within the industry as the pinnacle of the titanium anode field, a reputation rooted in the stringent performance requirements and technical barriers associated with extreme operating conditions. The production environment for electrolytic copper foil is characterized by “three highs”: the highly corrosive nature of the electrolyte—a mixture of 30% sulfuric acid and copper sulfate—a high current density of 3,000 A/m², and high-temperature operating conditions of 60°C. Additionally, the copper foil must maintain a purity of 99.9% or higher, presenting the ultimate test of stability and corrosion resistance for anode materials.

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Compared to traditional graphite anodes, its technical advantages are significant: graphite anodes have a lifespan of less than one year in strong acid environments, with cell voltage fluctuations exceeding 0.5V, whereas mainstream titanium-manganese alloy coated anodes can last for over six years, maintain a current efficiency of over 96%, keep cell voltage around 3.2V, and reduce annual operating and maintenance costs per cell by over 40%. This performance gap makes them an “essential component” for the production of high-end electrolytic copper foil.

1. Substrate Material: The Cornerstone of High-Purity Titanium Performance

These anodes use high-purity titanium (Grade 1) as the substrate, with a titanium purity of 99.6% or higher. This is done to reduce substrate resistance and enhance adhesion with the coating. As the nation’s largest titanium anode production base, Baoji, Shaanxi, leverages its local titanium processing infrastructure to achieve large-scale supply of high-purity titanium substrates, supporting over 60% of the country’s production capacity.

2. Coating Technology: The Key to Multi-Component Composite Performance

The coating is the core determinant of anode performance, having evolved from traditional ruthenium-iridium coatings to the current stage of multi-component composite coatings. Leading enterprises such as Baoji Haiyue New Metal Materials Co., Ltd. have achieved mass production of IrO₂-SnO₂-TiO₂-MnOₓ quaternary doped coatings. Through optimization of the nanoscale doping process, the catalytic activity of the coating has been increased by 30%, and the oxygen evolution overpotential has been reduced to below 1.62 V.

Coating preparation involves three key processes: pretreatment, coating, and sintering. Pretreatment uses a combination of sandblasting and acid etching to achieve a surface roughness of Ra 3.2 μm on the titanium substrate, thereby enhancing coating adhesion. Coating is performed using the sol-gel method, with the coating thickness controlled between 5 and 10 μm. Sintering is performed at 450–550°C under inert gas protection to ensure the stability of the coating’s crystal structure.

3. Production Process:

Prepare the titanium anode. First, select high-quality titanium plates or mesh as the substrate. After grinding, cleaning, and other treatments, coat the surface with a precious metal such as iridium to serve as a catalyst. Then, process the titanium anode to the required thickness and shape according to process specifications.

Select the electrolytic cell. Determine the size, shape, and material of the cell based on production requirements. Place the titanium anode, copper cathode, and electrolyte solution inside the cell, ensuring an appropriate distance between the anode and cathode.

Prepare the electrolyte solution. The electrolyte typically consists of copper salts, electrolyzing agents, and colloids; during preparation, ensure that its concentration, temperature, and pH remain stable.

Install the titanium anode in the electrolytic cell and connect it to the power supply.

Begin electrolysis. Pour the prepared electrolyte into the electrolytic cell, adjust the cell’s temperature and pH, and initiate electrolysis. During electrolysis, applying a current to the anode causes it to oxidize in the solution, forming a TiO₂ layer and producing oxygen. Simultaneously, applying a current to the cathode allows the current to pass through the electrolyte, reducing copper ions to native copper. The surface oxides are then washed away with deionized water, ultimately forming a thin copper foil.

Process the copper foil. After electrolysis is complete, remove the copper foil from the titanium anode, clean and process it to form the final product.

Stop electrolysis: Stop the electrolysis process once the specified time has elapsed or the required thickness has been achieved.

Cleaning: Clean the electrolytically produced copper foil with deionized water, then air-dry it.

Inspection: Conduct quality inspections on the electrolytically produced copper foil to ensure product quality meets requirements.

Core Applications:

Performance Control of Electrolytic Copper Foil

In the production of lithium-ion battery copper foil, the titanium anode directly influences the thickness uniformity and surface roughness of the copper foil. Data from a power battery manufacturer shows that after adopting titanium-manganese alloy-coated anodes, the thickness deviation of 6-μm ultra-thin copper foil decreased from ±0.5 μm to ±0.2 μm, with a 12% increase in yield rate. In 2024, applications in this sector accounted for 68.4% of the market for titanium anode plates used in electrolytic copper foil, maintaining a year-over-year growth rate of 14.2%.
In the PCB copper foil sector, titanium anodes support the production of high-frequency, high-speed copper foil required for 5G base stations and servers. In 2024, the market size reached 590 million yuan, accounting for 31.7% of the total.

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FAQ

Q1: What materials are used in the production of the titanium anode?
A1: Our anodes are made from high-quality titanium grades (Grade 1 and Grade 2) that ensure superior corrosion resistance and longevity.

Q2: Can I order titanium anodes in custom sizes?
A2: Yes, we offer a range of customization options, including tailored dimensions and surface treatments to fit your specific needs.

Q3: How long do titanium anodes typically last?
A3: Titanium anodes are highly durable and can last for several years, depending on the electroplating conditions.

Q4: What industries use titanium anodes for copper foil electrolysis?
A4: They are used in electronics, aerospace, automotive, energy, and industrial manufacturing for producing copper foil and other electrical components.

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For more information, to request a quote, or to place an order, please contact us:

Email: Jolina@bjhyti.com
Phone: +86-18691787097