Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Perchlorate cell cathode

Chemgineer - 22-5-2023 at 13:24

I have been running a sodium perchlorate cell with a PbO2 anode and a Ti mesh cathode, One thing that keeps happening is the cathode gradually bends and curves away from the anode.

This doesn't happen with my chlorate cell with MMO and Ti.

Has anyone else had this happen?

Rainwater - 22-5-2023 at 13:34

When I was testing reaction conditions, using 22awg titanium wire coated in PbO and high current I noticed this, figured it was a thermal expansion effect, like with a bi metal strip

yobbo II - 23-5-2023 at 07:18


I think its hydrogen absorption on one side more that the other.

Chemgineer - 23-5-2023 at 07:56

Quote: Originally posted by yobbo II  

I think its hydrogen absorption on one side more that the other.


That could be right because eventually the cathode fails and it might be because of hydrogen embrittlement.

mysteriusbhoice - 23-5-2023 at 12:09

Quote: Originally posted by Chemgineer  
I have been running a sodium perchlorate cell with a PbO2 anode and a Ti mesh cathode, One thing that keeps happening is the cathode gradually bends and curves away from the anode.

This doesn't happen with my chlorate cell with MMO and Ti.

Has anyone else had this happen?

I actually want to know how to get a Ti mesh to become like this because they make for a very good substrate.
Anyways this is why i've stopped using Ti cathodes apart from it's terrible H2 evolution potential causing it to reduce the electrolyte lowering efficiency.
Use a copper or nickel cathode for perchlorate cells as it's much better. Lead cathode is even worse than Ti has highest H2EP. Steel is decent if nickel plated or carbon steel.