Advantages of Titanium Anode

In the process of electrolytic copper foil production, the role of titanium anode is essential. The copper foil is produced using a ED copper foil machine which employs an arc-shaped electrolytic cell filled with a copper sulfate solution. The copper sulfate electrolyte flows into the electrolytic region between the titanium anode plate and the cathode drum at the bottom of the anode cell, and electrolysis takes place. 

Copper ions gradually deposit on the surface of the cathode drum within the electrolytic region. As the cathode drum slowly rotates, a certain thickness of copper foil is formed on the surface of the electrolytic region. After rotation, the copper foil is detached from one end of the cathode drum and collected using a winding roller.

The titanium anode, typically the DSA (Dimensionally Stable Anode) titanium anode, plays a crucial role in obtaining high-quality electrolytic copper foil products. It can be enhanced in the following four dimensions:

1.Tank voltage level:

This data directly influences the electricity consumption during the production process, which is a key factor in controlling production costs.Our DSA titanium anode is designed with increased macro and micro roughness on the titanium substrate, optimized coating formula, and preparation process to enhance catalytic active surface area, reduce real current density, coating film resistance, and electrochemical reaction resistance, leading to lower tank voltage during electrolytic copper foil production. 

The DSA anode's voltage is about 0.15V lower than similar products in the industry, resulting in annual energy savings of 41,000-59,000 kWh per column, depending on the production current.

2.Uniformity of coating:

Standard copper foil requires a thickness tolerance of +/- 2.5%, while lithium-ion copper foil demands a tighter tolerance of +/- 1.5% (some products even higher). Therefore, good uniformity of the titanium anode coating and conductivity is essential. We employs sandblasting and heat treatment processes on the titanium substrate, ensuring the newly prepared or repaired plates have excellent uniformity. 

This improves the quality of copper foil products, with the coating's uniformity deviation being less than 10%, lower than the 15% upper limit specified in the standard HG/T2471-2011 "Electrolytic Cell Metal Anode Coating," significantly contributing to the improved uniformity of copper foil products.

3.Lifespan:

For standard copper foil, anodes are expected to have a lifespan of more than 10 months, while for lithium-ion copper foil, the requirement is more than 6 months. However, the accumulation of lead-containing scale and wear of the titanium anode coating make it challenging for many titanium anodes to meet the lifespan requirements. 

Pass decades of development and experiences,we employ special protective technologies on the base layer to slow down titanium substrate passivation and extend the anode's lifespan. Under harsh conditions, the lifespan of copper foil anodes can exceed 50,000 KAh/m2.

4.Cleaning and maintenance difficulty:

During use, the anodes accumulate lead-containing scale, negatively affecting the overall performance of copper foil products. The scale is tightly adhered and difficult to clean, and the cleaning process can easily damage the titanium anode coating. 

We utilize a patented product called "Titanium Anode-Specific Descaler," which can quickly (within 2 hours) and thoroughly clean the anode's surface scale without damaging the titanium substrate or its precious metal coating. This process contributes to lowering the tank voltage and prolonging the anode's lifespan.

Overall, the utilization of the DSA titanium anode in electrolytic copper foil production provides numerous advantages, such as improved efficiency, stable production process, and higher-quality products.