Which type of anode was primarily developed for use in seawater?

Platinum anodes are highly resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for use in harsh environments such as seawater. Their inert nature allows them to maintain their integrity over time, providing a consistent and stable electrochemical performance. This durability is essential in marine applications, where anodes are required to perform reliably while being exposed to both saline conditions and fluctuating temperatures.

In specific applications, platinum can be used as part of mixed-metal oxide (MMO) technology in impressed current cathodic protection systems. This capability maximizes efficiency and longevity in marine environments, ensuring the protection of submerged structures against corrosion.

While other materials like zinc and aluminum have their own uses in specific cathodic protection scenarios, they do not possess the same level of corrosion resistance in seawater as platinum anodes. Zinc, for instance, is often preferred in sacrificial anode systems due to its lower potential but may not be as effective over long-term exposure in highly corrosive seawater environments.