Electrochemical processes are chemical methods using electric current. Today they are utilized in the chemical industries for large-scale syntheses, and also for advanced power technologies, as well as for ordinary sources of current. When consuming energy to enforce a reaction, electrochemical processes need an external power source: In the electrolysis electrodes mediate the current flow through the - mostly liquid - reaction medium. Due to their corrosion resistance and their electrical properties, the platinum group metals (PGM's); platinum, iridium, ruthenium, and also silver, play a very important part in the manufacture of electrodes on a large scale. Heraeus manufactures suitable compounds and solutions as core products, which serve to coat or to produce such electrodes. Moreover, Heraeus produces dispersed metals (“Blacks”) for coating of electrochemical sensors.
