nir-vana innovation network

A Spanish research team with more than 15 years’ experience on electrochemical and corrosion engineering has developed a solution to solve the problem of electrical conductivity of titanium by using platinum plating in a more efficient way.

Titanium is a metal with high corrosion resistance due to the spontaneous formation of a thin but compact oxide film on its surface (passive film), which isolates it from the electrolyte and protects it from corrosion. This property means that titanium is used in many electrochemical processes, especially where anodes with high corrosion resistance are required. However, the passive film of titanium, when high currents are passed through it, is no longer stable and tends to break locally, due to the high potential differences applied.

In order to avoid the problems associated with breaking the passivity and subsequent corrosion in such electrochemical processes, titanium anodes are usually coated with thin platinum layers, especially in the electrical contact areas. In this way, most of the current applied to the system passes through the platinum without causing breakage in the titanium. It is a complex process that consumes considerable resources.

This invention comprises the manufacture by electrodeposition of electrodes composed of titanium (base) / platinum (coating), and the special electrochemical cell where it is carried out. About the procedure, it comprises several stages, including pre-treatment and electrodeposition to provide more adherent and homogeneous layers. As a result, an electrodeposition of platinum in the electrolyte with a 2-4µm layer thickness is achieved (see image 1). About the electrochemical cell, it is designed to develop the above described process and to be applied on titanium bolts (see image 2) with a specific morphology and dimensions. It consists of a cylindrical upper piece of teflon, assembled to a lower cylindrical piece of teflon on which the electrodeposition will be carried out.

This invention could be applied in several industrial sectors:

·Metallurgical industry: electroplating and galvanoplasty.
·Chemical industry: obtaining elements such as Cl2, H2, and NaOH, from water and
·Automotive, aeronautical and naval sector: manufacture of bodies, parts or components.
·Fixing devices: manufacture of screws, nuts, washers, and nails.

The Spanish research team is interested on achieving license agreements for companies or enterprises interested on applying it to manufacture and commercialization processes.

Advantages & innovations

The invention presents innovative aspects that allows to solve the corrosion problems in titanium anodes in a more efficient way: ·It employs surface pre-treatment stages to roughen the surface, eliminating safety and complexity issues. ·The process is simple, using solutions with accessible, safe and economical compounds, in "near-ambient" conditions, without the need for large consumption of resources, energy, and time. ·Additionally it is easily scalable, providing a huge advantage over the current energy-intensive and somewhat dangerous ones. ·Hard to make electrodes with a high added value are obtained, ideal for electrochemical applications. ·It includes an efficient device where the whole procedure can be carried out in a simple and cheap way, also easily scalable.

Stage of development

Prototype available for demonstration

Partner sought

The Spanish research team is interested on licensing agreements. ·Type of partner sought: Industrial partners in metallurgical, chemical, automotive or hardware sectors interested on applying this innovation in their production processes. ·Role of the partner sought: The research team looks for a partner interested in the commercial exploitation of the presented invention. The ideal scenario would be to reach an agreement in order to transfer the technology by a license (exclusive or non-exclusive) of the patented procedure and cell, or a co-development.