Application - Brine Electrolysis

Nickel mesh in chlor-alkali membrane cells.

Chlorine, caustic soda, hydrogen — the chlor-alkali triangle. Largest installed base of industrial electrochemical cells on the planet. Saturated NaCl/NaOH at 85-95°C. Most metals dissolve in weeks. Nickel forms a NiO/Ni(OH)₂ passive film and keeps conducting. We supply anode mesh (woven, 30-60 mesh, Ni201), membrane support mesh (electropolished to prevent puncture), and cathode current collectors (knitted interlock for gas release). ASTM B456, ISO 9044, EN 10204 3.1 certs on every shipment.

85-95 C

Operating temp

25-30%

NaOH conc.

ASTM B456

Standard

Anode Mesh for Chlorine Evolution

Woven nickel mesh (30-60 mesh, Ni201 grade) as anode substrate in membrane cells. The anode reaction (2Cl- to Cl2 + 2e-) generates highly oxidative conditions at the electrode surface. Nickel forms a protective NiO/Ni(OH)2 surface film that resists chlorine attack while maintaining electrical conductivity through the underlying metal. Plain-Dutch weave recommended for uniform current distribution.

Membrane Support Mesh

Fine woven nickel mesh (40-60 mesh, 0.19-0.25 mm wire) positioned between the ion-exchange membrane and the electrode. The mesh must maintain precise spacing (typically 0.5-1.0 mm) across the entire membrane area to ensure uniform electrolyte flow and prevent membrane damage from electrode contact. Electropolished finish eliminates burrs that could puncture the membrane.

Cathode Current Collector

Knitted nickel mesh (850-1150 g/m2, interlock knit) as cathode current collector in the caustic compartment. The cathode reaction (2H2O + 2e- to H2 + 2OH-) produces hydrogen gas that must escape through the mesh structure. The high porosity (85-98%) of knitted mesh allows efficient gas release while maintaining electrical contact under cell compression.

Need chlor-alkali electrode mesh?

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Frequently asked questions

Which nickel mesh goes at each position in a membrane cell?

Anode substrate: woven 30-60 mesh Ni201, plain-Dutch weave for uniform current distribution. Membrane support: fine woven 40-60 mesh with 0.19-0.25 mm wire, electropolished. Cathode current collector: knitted interlock at 850-1,150 g/m² for efficient hydrogen gas release.

Why must membrane support mesh be electropolished?

Electropolishing removes the edge burrs that could puncture the ion-exchange membrane. The mesh must also hold 0.5-1.0 mm spacing across the entire membrane area to keep electrolyte flow uniform.

How does nickel resist chlorine attack in brine electrolysis?

The anode reaction (2Cl- producing Cl2) is highly oxidative, but nickel forms a self-healing NiO/Ni(OH)2 passive film that resists chlorine attack while staying conductive - unlike carbon steel or stainless, which dissolve in weeks to months at 85-95°C.

What operating conditions do your chlor-alkali meshes cover?

Saturated NaCl/NaOH service at 85-95°C. Every shipment carries ASTM B456 and ISO 9044 compliance plus an EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificate.

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