Critical anode potential

Ruthenium is an excellent catalyst for a number of chemical and electrochemical reactions, used for example in fuel cell electrodes (Pt-Ru) and in the electrolytic production of chemicals in so called DSA-electrodes (DSA=dimensionally stable anode). These electrodes consist of a thin (10-20 mm) layer of mixed metal oxides on a metal support ¿ usually RuO2+TiO2 on a titanium base. They normally have a lifetime of 10-15 years, which though may be significantly lower if the electrolysis is not run properly. A ¿critical anode potential¿, that should not be exceeded, probably exists. If exceeded the ruthenium catalyst corrodes and is lost. The existence of a critical anode potential is important technical information.
The goal of this thesis is to determine the existence and value of a critical anode potential on ruthenium at different operating conditions. It will include detection of dissolved ruthenium compounds using, for instance, electrochemical techniques. The work will be made in close contact with Permascand and Eka Chemicals ¿ producer and user, respectively, of DSA-electrodes.