DSE^® electrode for Functional Water

Tap water, low-concentration salt water, and low-concentration hydrochloric acid can be electrolyzed using electrodes for functional water, to efficiently generate hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, alkaline water, alkaline ionized water, and hydrogen water, etc.
There is a wide application of functional water, which is both simple and safe, and it is being recognized around the world and continuing to develop as a technology originating in Japan.
Electrodes where the top of a titanium substrate has been coated with platinum or iridium oxide by a pyrolysis method have excellent stability and hypochlorous acid current efficiency, and can be used not only as anodes, but as cathodes as well for generating electrolytic functional water.

Flexibility

High Performance

Robustness

Long Life

The history of electrodes for functional water

In Japan, electrolyzed water such as strongly acidic electrolyzed water, and slightly acidic electrolyzed water, was approved as a food additive in 2002, and alkaline electrolyzed water has been reported to be effective in instances of degreasing and for improving medical conditions, etc. With the establishment of JIS standard household electrolyzed water generators in 2005, and more recently as a countermeasure against infection by COVID-19, electrolyzed water has been the focus of increasing attention.

Features and performance of electrodes

Compared to plated electrodes, there is the presence of crystal surfaces and fine crystal particles which are related to catalytic activity as electrodes, and moreover, the presence of an ultra-thin oxide film caused by heating and burning which is related to corrosion resistance. These elements combine, to give superior performance as electrodes.

・Highly efficient electrolysis is possible at low voltage
Compared to platinum plated products, the intended reaction can be achieved at a lower voltage. Moreover, it is possible to produce acids and alkalis more efficiently.

・Supports dipole inversion
When tap water is electrolyzed, impurities contained in the tap water (e.g., Ca (Calcium) scale) are deposited on the cathode. To remove them, it is necessary to periodically switch the polarity of the anode and cathode to ionize the precipitates and remove them from the electrode's surface. This kind of dipole inversion is possible.

・Long operating life
Compared with plated electrodes, these electrodes are 1.5 to 2 times more durable. The Electrode's operating life varies greatly depending on the electrolytic conditions, and in particular, the frequency of dipole inversion is an important factor for the electrode's operating life. There is also a close relationship between the amount of coating and its operating life, so it is also possible to make proposals that match the electrolytic conditions.

・It is non-toxic, and can be used as drinking water
Since it does not use toxic precious metals such as Ru (Ruthenium), etc., it is possible for it to be used as drinking water (alkaline ionized water, hydrogenated water, etc.).

[Technical data]

（JL-510）
・The relationship between the amount of platinum vs. operating life
・Comparison of operating life with platinum plating
・Effect on operating life due to the frequency (number of times) of polarity development
（JL-403)
・The relationship between current density vs. chlorine generation efficiency
・The relationship between current density vs. operating life
・The relationship between salt water concentration vs. chlorine generation efficiency
・Comparison of chlorine generation efficiency with platinum electrodes (JL-510 and plated electrodes)

Pt amount vs. operating life

Model Number	Features (g/m3(N))	Main Uses (g/hr)
JL-403	Hypochlorous acid can be efficiently generated from low-concentration salt water and hydrochloric acid. Reverse electrolysis is also possible.	Hypochlorite water, sodium hypochlorite generation (alkaline electrolyzed water generation)
JL-501	JL-501 It is resistant to reverse electrolysis, and can be used as an anode and cathode. Alkaline ionized water generation for drinking. Hydrogen water generation for drinking	Alkaline ionized water generation for drinking. Hydrogen water generation for drinking.

[Example of electrode's shape for reference]
*) An electrode manufactured with a large plate is processed into a small electrode. The thickness of the catalytic coating depends on the application and conditions of use.

Uses of the electrode

Our electrodes for functional water are the optimal electrodes for generating electrolyzed water (electrolyzed functional water). Electrolyzed water is produced by electrolyzing tap water or diluted salt water, etc., with weak DC voltage. Various types are produced depending on the difference in equipment and electrolysis conditions, etc. Oxygenated water such as strong acidity that is effective for cleaning and disinfection etc., slight acidity, and slightly acidic electrolyzed water with cleaning and disinfection effects, strongly alkaline electrolyzed water with oil and fat and protein decomposition effects, electrolyzed hypochlorite water regarded as sodium hypochlorite diluted solution, alkaline ionized water for drinking with stomach improvement effects, and hydrogen water and oxygen water have been attracting attention recently.

Various types are produced depending on the difference in equipment and electrolysis conditions, etc. Acidic electrolyzed water such strongly acidic, weakly acidic, and slightly acidic electrolyzed water that is effective for cleaning and disinfection, etc.; strongly alkaline electrolyzed water that is effective at decomposing oils, fats and protein; electrolyzed hypochlorite water that is regarded as a sodium hypochlorite diluted solution; alkaline ionized water for drinking that is effective at improving digestion; and moreover in recent years hydrogen water and oxygen water have been attracting attention.

When tap water is used as a raw material, since it is operated with reverse electricity which suppresses the deposits of hard elements, it is necessary that both the anode and cathode are durable to such a mode of operation. We make the most of the various possible applications that electrodes for functional water possess, and are proposing the optimal specifications to meet the needs of these various customers.

About electrolyzed water

Electrolyzed water is a generic term for aqueous solutions produced by direct current electrolysis of tap water, and aqueous solutions containing chloride ions (Cl-) such as diluted sodium chloride (NaCl).

Depending on the difference in equipment and electrolysis conditions, etc., sterilizing electrolyzed water (acidic electrolyzed water such as strongly acidic electrolyzed water and slightly acidic electrolyzed water, etc., and electrolyzed hypochlorite water) used for hygiene control purposes such as cleaning and disinfection, etc., can be produced.

Advantages of using electrolyzed water

The excellent sterilizing and disinfecting effects of electrolyzed water have attracted attention, and it is used in the medical field and at home, for example, to sterilize and disinfect affected areas, incisions, and percutaneous openings of indwelling catheters, etc., as well sterilizing and disinfecting household items such as kitchenware, baby products, and furniture, etc., and areas around the house such as toilets, bathtubs, etc. Electrolyzed water has the following advantages.

It is superior in terms of safety as trihalomethane is not easily formed in acidic conditions.
Resistant bacteria is less likely to be formed making on-site management easier.
Combined treatment can be carried out with alkaline electrolyzed water (washing with alkaline water → sterilization with acidic water).
It has the feeling of tap water when used, and leaves no odor on the fingers.
Sufficient for immediate use (it doesn't take long to sterilize).

Compared to conventional chemical treatment using sodium hypochlorite, which is approved as a food additive up to a certain concentration (200 ppm), but also has a bad taste and residual effects, these types of electrolyzed water are beneficial because of their high disinfection exchange at low concentrations. It is safer than using highly concentrated sodium hypochlorite solutions with dilution, and has the advantage of it being easy for everyone to use.

Examples of products for electrolyzed water generator apparatuses

（Images of electrolyzed water in use）
・Kitchens
・Bathrooms
・Hand disinfection at entrances (image of COVID-19 measures taken at the entrance of a house)
・Restaurants
・Food processing (sterilization)
・Hospitals, nursing homes, etc.

DSE® electrode for Functional Water