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?
Specify your cell type, current density, and electrolyte concentration. Same-day technical recommendation.
What is Chlor-Alkali Nickel Mesh?
Chlor-alkali nickel mesh is the electrode material system used in membrane cells that electrolyze saturated brine into chlorine, caustic soda and hydrogen — the largest installed base of industrial electrochemical cells on the planet. In saturated NaCl/NaOH at 85-95°C most metals dissolve in weeks, while nickel forms a NiO/Ni(OH)₂ passive film and keeps conducting. RAS supplies three cell positions: woven Ni201 anode mesh (30-60 mesh), electropolished membrane support mesh (40-60 mesh, 0.19-0.25 mm wire), and knitted interlock cathode current collectors (850-1,150 g/m²).
Key facts
Operating temperature
85-95°C saturated NaCl/NaOH
Caustic concentration
25-30% NaOH
Anode spec
Woven 30-60 mesh Ni201, plain-Dutch weave
Cathode spec
Knitted interlock 850-1,150 g/m², 85-98% porosity
Related products & resources
Selection guide
The table below compares the options most often quoted for chlor-alkali nickel mesh enquiries.
| Cell position | Recommended spec | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Anode mesh (chlorine evolution) | Woven 30-60 mesh, Ni201, plain-Dutch weave | Uniform current distribution under oxidative Cl₂ evolution |
| Membrane support mesh | Fine woven 40-60 mesh, 0.19-0.25 mm wire, electropolished | Burr-free surface; holds 0.5-1.0 mm spacing to protect the membrane |
| Cathode current collector | Knitted interlock, 850-1,150 g/m², 85-98% porosity | Efficient hydrogen gas release under cell compression |
How to request a quote
- Step 1
Send your specification — product family, grade (Ni200/Ni201/N6), mesh count or packing density, wire diameter, quantity and certification standard.
- Step 2
Our applications team reviews the requirement and replies within one business day — within 24 hours on working days — with availability, lead time and pricing.
- Step 3
Confirm the proforma invoice; a sample Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1) is included with the quote, and a free 100×100 mm sample is available for standard mesh specifications.
- Step 4
Production, inspection and shipment proceed with the full documentation package — 100% of shipments include the lot-specific MTC.
Certification & traceability
Manufacturing is ISO 9001:2015 certified, and 100% of shipments include an EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificate — OES chemistry, laser micrometer wire trace, optical mesh count and ASTM E8 tensile results — with a traceable heat number on every roll. Technical enquiries receive a substantive reply from a named materials engineer within one business day (within 24 hours on working days), and a sample MTC is included with every quote so your quality team can verify the documentation format up front.
Standards & references
ASTM International · International Organization for Standardization
Page last updated: 2026-09-28
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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.