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In the electrodeposition process, the anode process and the cathode process occur simultaneously as processes that are both unified and contradictory. Since, in electrodeposition, the cathode process is the process that yields the product, it is the main process, while the anode process is regarded as an auxiliary process subordinate to the cathode process.
One of the functions of the anode is to conduct electricity, a function inseparable from the cathode process. Without the electric field formed by the anode and the cathode, the cathode process would be impossible. Therefore, conduction is the primary and essential function of the anode, and it is a function that any anode must possess.
Another function of the anode is to supply the ions of the metal to be plated. However, this is not an essential function. In other words, the anode may not supply the metal ions required by the cathode process, as is the case with insoluble anodes.
However, whatever kind of anode is used, it will affect the stability of the electrolyte and the quality of the coating. Therefore, one must not focus only on the cathode process while neglecting the anode process. — Titanium alloy anodizing process
Of course, the ideal anode process, i.e., a process in which a metal can successfully undergo electrochemical dissolution and enter the electrolyte, has been studied in detail in electrode process kinetics. It is on the basis of these studies that we are able to select suitable anode materials, current densities, and certain anodic activators in process practice so that the anode dissolves normally during electrodeposition. However, even in traditional electroplating processes, it is not always possible to select an ideal anode, and other methods must be adopted to compensate. For example, chromium plating uses an insoluble anode and relies entirely on adding chromic acid to the plating bath to replenish metal ions. This is because some anode processes cannot meet the needs of the cathode process. When the normal progress of the cathode process is taken as the precondition, the anode cannot always adapt to the cathode process: either the current density does not reach the level for normal dissolution, or the dissolution does not supply metal ions in the required valence state, or the dissolution is so fast that it greatly exceeds what the cathode process requires. Thus, when the anode process affects the normal operation of the cathode process, measures must be taken to adjust the anode process so that the entire electrodeposition process can proceed normally.
Soluble anodes are anodes that can dissolve and be consumed normally in the working solution during electrodeposition. In most complexing-agent working solutions, or in simple salt solutions where the anode process can coordinate with the cathode process, the anodes used are mostly soluble anodes. For example, all cyanide plating baths, nickel plating, and tin plating use soluble anodes. Moreover, for soluble anodes, the metal to be plated must be used as the anode material and must never be mixed up. There have been cases where placing the wrong anode caused metal impurities in the plating bath to rise abnormally, ruining the bath.
