Iridium-coated platinum wire is a critical functional material used in modern high-efficiency electrolyzer stacks, including both PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) and AEM (Anion Exchange Membrane) systems. In these electrolyzers, the anode side operates under highly oxidative and corrosive conditions, where ordinary metals degrade rapidly. This is where iridium-coated platinum wire plays a decisive role.
At DLX Alloy, we manufacture iridium-coated platinum wire designed specifically for long-term electrochemical stability, low degradation rates, and high current-density operation. By combining a platinum core with a controlled iridium surface layer, this wire delivers excellent electrical conductivity together with outstanding corrosion resistance, making it suitable for next-generation hydrogen production systems.
Material Structure and Key Characteristics
Iridium-coated platinum wire consists of a high-purity platinum substrate uniformly coated with a dense iridium layer. This structure is engineered to take advantage of the strengths of both metals.
Key material characteristics include:
Exceptional corrosion resistance in acidic and alkaline electrolytes
High electrical conductivity from the platinum core
Strong surface stability under oxygen evolution reactions
Reduced noble metal consumption compared with solid iridium wire
Stable performance at high current density and long operating cycles
The iridium coating acts as a protective and catalytic surface, while the platinum core ensures mechanical flexibility and conductivity.
Typical Applications
DLX iridium-coated platinum wire is widely used in electrolyzer stack components, especially on the anode side, including:
PEM water electrolyzer anode frameworks
AEM electrolyzer current collectors
Oxygen evolution electrodes
Hydrogen production stack assemblies
Electrochemical energy research systems
The material is suitable for both industrial-scale electrolyzers and pilot or laboratory systems.
Performance Comparison Table
| Parameter | Iridium-Coated Platinum Wire |
|---|---|
| Core Material | High-purity Platinum |
| Coating Material | Iridium |
| Coating Uniformity | High, controlled thickness |
| Electrical Conductivity | Excellent |
| Corrosion Resistance | Outstanding |
| Electrolyte Compatibility | Acidic & Alkaline |
| Operating Current Density | High |
| Typical Wire Diameter | 0.05 mm – 1.5 mm (customizable) |
| Primary Use | PEM & AEM electrolyzer anodes |
Why This Material Matters in PEM & AEM Electrolyzers
Electrolyzer stacks operate under continuous electrical load and chemical stress. The anode side, in particular, faces:
Intense oxidative environments
Acidic (PEM) or alkaline (AEM) electrolytes
High voltage and long operational cycles
Iridium-coated platinum wire addresses these challenges by offering:
Low dissolution rates during oxygen evolution
Stable electrochemical behavior over time
Extended stack lifetime and reduced maintenance
This combination makes it a preferred solution for improving electrolyzer efficiency and durability.
Industry Trends in Electrolyzer Materials
The global hydrogen industry is evolving rapidly, with electrolyzer technology moving toward higher efficiency, larger scale, and longer service life. This shift is driving demand for advanced noble metal materials.
Key industry trends include:
Increasing deployment of PEM and AEM electrolyzers
Higher current densities to reduce system size
Focus on noble metal utilization efficiency
Demand for longer maintenance intervals
Iridium-coated platinum wire aligns with these trends by delivering high performance while optimizing noble metal usage.
DLX Alloy Manufacturing Strengths
DLX Alloy specializes in high-performance alloy wire materials for energy and electrochemical applications. Our iridium-coated platinum wire is produced using controlled coating and precision wire processing techniques.
DLX advantages include:
Strict control of platinum purity and iridium coating thickness
Uniform coating with strong adhesion
Fine and ultra-fine wire drawing capability
Custom diameters, lengths, and packaging
Stable quality across production batches
Reliable global export supply
We focus on functional reliability rather than generic material supply.
One-Company Comparison: Standard Supplier vs DLX Alloy
| Aspect | Standard Supplier | DLX Alloy |
|---|---|---|
| Coating Uniformity | Inconsistent | Highly uniform |
| Noble Metal Control | Basic | Precision controlled |
| Wire Diameter Options | Limited | Wide & ultra-fine |
| Application Knowledge | General | Electrolyzer-focused |
| Customization Support | Limited | Strong |
| Supply Stability | Variable | Long-term reliable |
DLX Alloy works closely with customers to ensure the wire performs as expected inside real electrolyzer stacks.
About Us:
Our 12,000㎡ factory is equipped with complete capabilities for research, production, testing, and packaging. We strictly adhere to ISO 9001 standards in our production processes, with an annual output of 1,200 tons. This ensures that we meet both quantity and quality demands. Furthermore, all products undergo rigorous simulated environment testing including high temperature, high pressure, and corrosion tests before being dispatched, ensuring they meet customer specifications.
For all our clients, we offer timely and multilingual after-sales support and technical consulting, helping you resolve any issues swiftly and efficiently.
Client Visits
Building Stronger Partnerships
We support all kinds of testing:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the advantage of iridium coating on platinum wire?
The iridium coating provides exceptional corrosion resistance and stability during oxygen evolution, while the platinum core maintains high electrical conductivity.
2. Is this wire suitable for both PEM and AEM electrolyzers?
Yes. DLX iridium-coated platinum wire performs well in both acidic (PEM) and alkaline (AEM) environments.
3. How does this compare to solid iridium wire?
It offers similar surface performance with lower noble metal consumption, improved flexibility, and easier processing.
4. What wire sizes can DLX supply?
We supply diameters from 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm, with customization available for specific stack designs.
5. How consistent is the iridium coating?
Our coating process ensures uniform thickness and strong adhesion across the entire wire length.
6. Is this material suitable for long-term operation?
Yes. It is designed for continuous, high-current operation with minimal degradation.
7. Can DLX support pilot and large-scale projects?
Yes. We support R&D, pilot systems, and commercial electrolyzer production.
8. How does DLX ensure batch quality?
Each batch undergoes composition control, coating inspection, and dimensional checks before delivery.
Iridium-coated platinum wire is a key enabling material for high-efficiency PEM and AEM electrolyzer stacks. Its combination of corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and long-term stability supports higher performance and longer system lifetimes.
DLX Alloy delivers this material with precision manufacturing, application-focused design, and reliable global supply. As hydrogen production continues to scale, DLX remains committed to providing advanced alloy wire solutions that meet the real demands of modern electrolyzer systems.
