Surviving the Reactor: Platinum vs. MMO Anodes in Aggressive Chemistry

Designing a chemical reactor isn't just about kinetics and thermodynamics. The wrong material choice for a sensor, agitator, or electrode can lead to catastrophic contamination, unplanned shutdowns, and product batches worth millions being scrapped.

In this episode of Material Talks, Samuel Matthews is joined by Dr. Lisa Reynolds, a specialist in materials for aggressive chemical environments. They move beyond generic “corrosion-resistant” labels to tackle real-world failures in pharmaceutical and fine chemical processing.

You’ll learn:
• Why standard corrosion charts aren’t enough when dealing with hot mixed acids, halides, and electrochemical potentials.
• The precise role of platinum components (like PT0453 wire): When this noble metal is the only viable option for critical probes and electrodes, and what specifications truly matter.
• The engineered alternative of MMO anodes (like AN2166): How a micron-thin coating on titanium delivers platinum-group performance at scale for electrolysis, saving energy and preventing contamination.
• A practical 3-question framework to guide your next material specification, balancing performance, contamination risk, and total cost of ownership.

This is a deep dive for process engineers, plant managers, and anyone responsible for the reliability and purity of high-value chemical production.

To connect with our specialists, click the GET A QUOTE button on the Stanford Advanced Materials website.