Snam has been granted a patent for an electrode suitable for oxygen evolution in electrolytic processes. The electrode consists of a valve metal substrate, a catalytic layer, a protective layer of valve metal oxides, and an outer coating of tantalum pentoxide. The method for manufacturing the electrode involves applying a solution containing precursors of iridium, tin, and bismuth to the substrate and decomposing it through thermal treatment. The electrode is particularly suitable for the cathodic electrodeposition of chromium from an aqueous solution. GlobalData’s report on Snam gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Snam, power-to-gas system was a key innovation area identified from patents. Snam's grant share as of June 2023 was 1%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11643746B2) describes a method for manufacturing an electrode suitable for oxygen evolution in electrolytic processes. The method involves several steps to create the electrode structure.
The first step is to apply a solution containing precursors of iridium, tin, and a doping element bismuth to a valve metal substrate. This solution is then decomposed through a thermal treatment in air at a temperature ranging from 480 to 530°C. This process forms a catalytic layer on the substrate, which consists of mixed oxides of iridium, tin, and bismuth. The molar ratio of iridium to the sum of iridium and tin ranges from 0.25 to 0.55, while the molar ratio of bismuth to the sum of iridium, tin, and bismuth ranges from 0.02 to 0.15.
Next, an external layer is formed by applying and thermally decomposing a solution containing a precursor of tantalum pentoxide. This external layer serves as a protective layer and has a specific loading of tantalum pentoxide ranging from 12 to 15 g/m2.
In some embodiments, a protective layer consisting of valve metal oxides is applied to the valve metal substrate before applying the solution containing the precursors. This protective layer provides additional protection to the substrate.
The molar ratio of bismuth to the sum of iridium, tin, and bismuth in the catalytic layer ranges from 0.05 to 0.12, while the molar ratio of iridium to the sum of iridium and tin ranges from 0.40 to 0.50 in other embodiments.
The mixed oxides of iridium, tin, and bismuth in the catalytic layer consist of crystallites with an average size below 5 nm.
In some embodiments, the protective layer consists of titanium and tantalum oxides, while in others, it consists of a molar ratio of 80:20 titanium and tantalum oxides.
Overall, this patented method provides a detailed process for manufacturing an electrode suitable for oxygen evolution in electrolytic processes. The specific ratios and compositions of the catalytic and protective layers contribute to the electrode's performance and durability.
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GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
