What are the different types of metal anodes?
metals commonly used as anodes include aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, lead, lithium, magnesium, nickel, silver, titanium, zinc and alloys. The non -metallic also used as anodes include carbon, graphite and silicon. Each has a special set of characteristics that makes it better or worse for use in different devices and for specific use. In practice, metal anodes are categorized according to how and for what purpose they are used. Electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, structural strength, durability and corrosion resistance are usually one of the characteristics that are considered when specific metal anodes are chosen.
Perhaps the best known use of metal anodes is in galvanic cells, otherwise known as a battery, where the electric current flows between metal anodes and cathodes immersed in electrolyte, which carries electricity between metal anodes and cathodes. Early batteries used in space missions used by silver metal cathode and zinc for metal anodes. In the afterLattle time is used to power many electronic devices with charging nickel-cadmium batteries. Iron and cadmium serve as metal anodes. Lithium is also used for metal anodes in charging batteries that occur in portable consumer electronic devices such as mobile phones and portable computer devices. Thanks to progress in technology, lithium is also used for metal anodes in lithium ion batteries to power hybrid and all electric vehicles.
Another common use of metal anodes is protection of metals or other materials from rust or corrosion. For example, sacrificial and coastal sacrificial anodes, which are also known as galvanic anodes, should protect the cathode, usually another metal that must be maintained as long as possible, from rust or corrosion. The anode is made of metal or an THV alloy corroding easier than the cathode. This is the case of zinc and iron where it is at the top of the unfortunatelyEza layered zinc or zinc alloy.
When exposed to elements - air, salt water or fresh water - oxidation occurs and electrons move from the sacrificial anode, zinc or alloy into iron and protect it from oxidation. By definition, it makes iron cathode. Another example is the anode of hot water heater, where one or more bars or aluminum bars are layered around the steel core, protecting it and the metal outer tank of the tank from rust or corrosion that would result in regular contact with heated water.