Anodes come in all shapes and sizes. They also are available in a range of different alloys, including lead. In general, most of what are called lead anodes are not pure lead but rather a lead alloy, with the alloy adding to the performance and capability of pure lead.
The most commonly used alloying metals combined with lead include silver, tin, tellurium and even antimony. The various alloying metals used with the lead will provide different properties for specific uses and increased or enhanced electrical conduction.
Stands up to High Levels of Current
The use of lead anodes is particularly effective in any application where there is a high electrical current. Combinations of tin or manganese and anodes made of lead make for extremely efficient transfer of electrical current, which is often used in electrowinning cells.
In these cells, the anode is essential to maintain the current into a solution that contains diluted precision metals. The suspended metals then plate onto the workpiece, which acts as the cathode, in any plating process or to allow the recovery of the metals to be used in other applications.
Highly Resistant to Corrosion
Lead anodes are also an advantage in many types of applications because they have a high resistance to corrosion, including corrosion by sulfuric acid. They are also very resistant to corrosion in marine applications and when exposure to saltwater, such as in use with offshore drilling, is a concern.
In addition, lead and lead alloys are also very easy to create as a custom shape or fabrication. Most companies that make these anodes will carry a good selection of standard sizes and shapes. Standard shapes range from very small to large diameters and can include elliptical, rectangular, star-shaped, round or corrugated and round ripple shapes.