Insoluble electrodes used in various situations

TANAKA's Initiatives on Insoluble Electrodes

Insoluble electrodes are electrodes used in processes such as electrolysis and electroplating that have the characteristic of not dissolving or having extremely little dissolution even under chemical and electrochemical conditions.
Here, we will provide an overview of TANAKA's technological initiatives and development examples related to insoluble electrodes.

Insoluble Electrode—Titanium Plate with Terminal—Pt/Ti

History of Electrodes

Insoluble electrodes were once mainly made of graphite, but in the 1950s, platinum-coated titanium electrodes were developed for industrial use due to their ① high electrical conductivity, ② excellent resistance to acidic and alkaline electrolytes, and ③ high durability even in oxygen generation environments.
In 1967, ruthenium oxide-based titanium electrodes were developed by Dr. Beer, and the Soda Industry Association of Japan began a full transition from graphite-based electrodes to precious metal-based oxide electrodes.
Subsequently, iridium oxide-based electrodes were further improved, as they have excellent durability in oxygen generation environments, and are now used in various industrial fields.

Chronology of Electrode History_1950–2025

Since the 2020s, the application fields of insoluble electrodes have been further expanding, and their use is progressing in various fields in addition to the conventional electrolysis and plating applications.

Image of the Environment — **Environmental**

With the advancement of wastewater treatment technologies, insoluble electrodes are being used for the decomposition and removal of pollutants, and particularly rapid market growth is being observed in the Asia-Pacific region.

Image in the Medical and Beauty Fields — **Medical and Beauty Fields**

As an electrode used for generating functional water, it is used for producing alkaline ion water and acidic water, and its application in skincare and sterilization is progressing.

With the spread of renewable energy, its use is expanding in electrical and electrochemical energy storage systems (e.g., hydrogen production through water electrolysis).

Image of Corrosion Protection — **Corrosion protection**

There is increasing demand for use as an electrode material with long life and stability in preventing corrosion of structures.

In addition, during the development of electrode materials, technological innovations are being made with the aim of reducing the amount of precious metals used, improving recyclability, and reducing environmental impact, making them an important factor in realizing a sustainable society.

Applications

Electrode for alkaline ion water generator
Electrode for cathodic protection
Wastewater treatment (COD reduction through electrolysis of components in factory wastewater + decolorization of waste liquid)
For hydrogen generation (ion generation)
PTL for water electrolysis
Other Electrode for Industrial Use

Location of Electrode Plates in Alkaline Ion Water Generator — Alkaline Ion Water Generator

Electrode Plate Used in Acidic Water Generating Device — Acidic Water Generating Device

As such, these electrodes have a wide range of applications, and are used in diverse industries including electronic and electrical components, surface treatment, semiconductors, wastewater treatment, environment and energy, chemicals, medical, and beauty (cosmetics). Many other applications are also possible, so please feel free Inquiry if you have any interest or questions regarding TANAKA' insoluble electrodes.